Course Content Schedule: Recent Changes in Standards and Guidelines 1994/95, 1991, & 1987 A.T.S. Standards and Guidelines   Definitions & Significance of FVC, FEV1, FEF25-75%, Peak Flow, FEF50%, FEF25% etc. Can and should the FEF25-75% be used to identify "small airways" disease?   Selection & Limitations of Predicted Normal Values Are the predicted values provided by your spirometry system the correct ones to use for your patient?   Lower Limits of Normal and Occupational Standards The new 1991 A.T.S. guidelines have identified flaws in the most commonly used lower limits of normal.   Interpretation Schemes & Lung Disease Patterns New interpretation schemes with simple to use flow diagrams will be provided. These newer interpretation schemes do not discriminate by using a "fixed" cutoff for the observed FEV1/FVC ratio.   Examples of Obstructive & Restrictive Patterns and Causes Plenty of examples to help understand this important area.   How to Identify an Improperly Performed Test Review of key spirometry pitfalls, recognition, and solutions.   What is a Significant Change in Lung Function with Time The NIOSH technique of a 10% change rarely works in real life. Examples of new techniques will be presented.   New Guidelines for Medical Surveillance Guidelines for medical surveillance are more stringent than those required by the A.T.S. for general testing.   Choosing a Spirometer Features to look for when buying a spirometer.   How to read a Flow - Volume display Learn how to recognize obstructive & restrictive patterns, hesitating starts, coughs, and other causes of poor subject effort that may invalidate test results.