title: Computer-assisted spirometry.
abstract: The largest change in spirometric pulmonary function testing in the last 10 years has been the introduction of the digital computer for data acquisition and reduction. Computer-assisted spirometry can enhance the effectiveness of spirometric testing by increasing test accuracy, increasing patient acceptance, and decreasing the time necessary to complete the test and its interpretation. Any computer-assisted spirometer should be easy to use and should clearly display and properly report test results. I recommend that the American Thoracic Society Standards for spirometric testing be used by pulmonary function laboratories and that test interpretation made by a computer be verified.
mesh_terms: D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004867:Equipment Design / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D013147:Spirometry / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000592:standards