Course Content: Recent Changes in Standards and Guidelines The New 1994/95 & 1991 A.T.S. Standards & Guidelines. Is your equipment configured to meet the new guidelines?   Definitions & Significance of FVC, FEV1, FEF25-75%, etc. The FEF25-75% is generally not covered in the standard NIOSH training course. Should it be used to identify "small airways disease"?   How to use a Flow - Volume display Many spirometry systems offer a Flow - Volume display that can help the testing technician recognize hesitating starts, coughs, and other causes of poor subject effort that may invalidate the test and may not be recognizable on the standard volume versus time tracing.   How to Use Peak Flow to Improve Test Performance Did you know that Peak Flow measurements obtained during routine spirometry can be used to help evaluate subject effort and identify tracings with unacceptable starts?   Proper Test Procedures and subject preparation Learn additional methods to improve testing technique to enhance performance, especially when using computerized spirometry systems.   Selection & Limitations of Predicted Normal Values Do you know how to handle race and ethnic groups other than Caucasian and African American?   Appropriate Lower Limits of Normal Recent guidelines have identified flaws in the most commonly used lower limits of normal. Are you following current recommendations?   Interpretation Schemes & Lung Disease Patterns New interpretation schemes with simple to use flow diagrams will be provided. Many older interpretation schemes discriminate against people of certain ages, sex, etc.   Examples of Obstructive & Restrictive Patterns and Causes Plenty of examples to help understand this important area. This information is especially helpful when responding to questions your patients may have regarding their test results.   How to Identify an Improperly Performed Test Learn the most common spirometry mistakes, and methods you can use to prevent them from happening again.   Methods You Can Use To Improve Test Quality Important, if quality test results are important to you.   What is a Significant Change in Lung Function with Time The most common techniques rarely work in real life. Examples of new techniques will be presented.   Guidelines for Pulmonary Surveillance. Guidelines for pulmonary surveillance programs often have different requirements than those taught in the NIOSH training course.   New Instrument Display and Printing Requirements Recommended by the ATS Can you verify that your tests were conducted on a spirometer that meets the new ATS spirometry guidelines for proper print format?