M.C. Townsend Associates, LLC

Phone: 412-343-9946    Fax: 412-343-9947      mary.townsend4@verizon.net

Spirometry Update: Interpretation and Pitfalls

Course Description

The American College of Environmental and Occupational Medicine (ACOEM), the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN), and the American Thoracic Society (ATS) recommend periodic, e.g. at least every 3 years, review of spirometry technique and updating on changes in the field of pulmonary function testing and pertinent regulations. This Spirometry Update/Refresher Course is designed to provide this review and update for health professionals who conduct and/or interpret spirometry tests  in industrial and clinical settings.  The goal of this course is to review not only what the recommendations and requirements are for conducting tests and interpreting results, but also why the recommendations and requirements were made. The course can be offered in one day as an on-site course, or it can be completed by attending the mornings and early afternoons of the first two days of a regularly scheduled NIOSH-approved course.

The course briefly reviews the pathophysiology of obstructive and restrictive impairments and emphasizes correct performance of spirometry and the effects of technical errors and spirometer malfunctions on test results.  Students practice recognizing testing errors, using problem graphs from quality control samples. OSHA standards, the new ANSI Z88.6-2006 Respirator Use Physical Qualifications for Personnel, and the 2005 American Thoracic Society (ATS) guidelines pertaining to spirometry are reviewed.  New recommendations are presented for spirometer calibration checks and for interpretation of results as normal or indicating obstructive or restrictive impairment.  It is strongly recommended that each student submit a sample of graphs to be critiqued for technical quality prior to the course.

Class size is limited to maximize student-faculty interaction and to keep the atmosphere informal and conducive to learning.  Topics are varied to keep students interested and involved.  Breaks are frequent to help students concentrate and remain focussed.

All lectures are given by Dr. Mary Townsend; all practice session assistants are experienced in spirometry.

A certificate is awarded upon completion of the course.

Course Topics

  • Spirometry technique and testing errors; 2005 ATS Spirometry Update.
  • Interpretation of results: obstructive and restrictive impairment patterns; 2005 ATS Interpretation Guidelines.
  • Review of OSHA standards and ANSI Z88.6-2006 Respirator Use Physical Qualifications for Personnel, pertaining to spirometry.
  • Review of  spirogram measurements, and effects of ambient temperature.
  • Review of problem graphs from quality control samples: evaluation of test validity.
  • Types of spirometers: advantages, disadvantages, and potential problems.
  • Spirometer calibration and calibration checks.

Continuing Education

This Spirometry Update/ Refresher Course has been reviewed and is acceptable for up to 7.50 AMA Physicians Recognition Award Category 1 Credits.*

This CE activity is also approved for 9.1 contact hours by the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

This program has also been approved for up to 7.58 contact hours of Continuing Respiratory Care Education (CRCE) credit by the American Association for Respiratory Care.

This program has also been approved for up to 1.0 Certification Maintenance (CM) points  by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene.

* DuBois Regional Medical Center is accredited by the Pennsylvania Medical Societyto sponsor continuing medical education for physicians.  DuBoisRegional Medical Center designates this a continuing medical educationactivity and it awards 7.50 AMA Physicians Recognition Award Category1 Credits and the Pennsylvania Medical Society Member CMECertification.  Each physician should claim only those hours ofcredit that he/she actually spent in the educational activity. Facultyparticipants in continuing medical education activities sponsored byDuBois Regional Medical Center are expected to disclose to the audiencewhether they do or do not have any real or apparent conflicts ofinterest or other relationships related to the content of theirpresentations.

Course Materials

 For the spirogram critique, please submit 5 test results, with tracings, prior to the class.

If possible, please bring: 

a) A calculator.

b) Your spirometer operating manual.

Dates & Course Location

Course location

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, Pittsburgh - Airport
Pittsburgh, PA

Making room reservations:
  • On-line, enter group code "SP2" for the March, 2008 class, "SP3" for the June, 2008 class, "SP4" for the September, 2008 class, and "SP5" for the November, 2008 class to get spirometry/audiometry room block rates
  • Telephone (412-788-8400) - ask for "spirometry/audiometry room block"

2008 Dates

Mornings and early afternoons of:

March 31 - April 1, 2008 *
June 2 - 3, 2008 *

Sept 8 - 9, 2008 *
Nov 17 - 18, 2008 *

*Followed one day later by CAOHC-Approved Hearing Conservation Workshop. Call Dr. Roger Angelelli, Audiometric Baseline Consulting, at (412) 831-0430 for workshop information.

Registration Information

Course tuition of  $295 includes:
  • All course materials, including comprehensive course workbook and reference materials.
  • ANSI Z88.6-2006 Respirator Use Physical Qualifications for Personnel.
  • Continuing education credit.
  • Continental breakfast, lunch, and refreshments.
  • Critique of 5 spirograms for technical quality (optional, at no extra charge)
 For the spirogram critique, please submit 5 test results, with tracings, prior to the class.

Class size is limited, so please register early to insure availability. You are welcome to call ahead to find out whether there are vacancies in the class of your choice. You may pay by check or using VISA, MasterCard, or American Express credit cards. Students are enrolled in the order in which payment and registration are received. Confirmation will be sent upon receipt of the tuition payment. Tuition is fully refunded if you cancel five or more weeks before the course date. A $25 service charge is deducted if you cancel 3-5 weeks before the course date. Since expenses are fixed, no refunds are issued if you cancel less than 3 weeks before the course date. However, you may always send an alternate in your place or, if we find a replacement for your registered class date, you may transfer to a later course.