Reference values for spirometry and their use in test interpretation: A Position Statement from the Australian and New Zealand Society of Respiratory Science

AuthorsBrazzale, D.
Hall, G.
Swanney, M.P.
TypeJournal Article (Original Research)
JournalRespirology
PubMed ID27457870
Year of Publication2016
URLhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27457870
DOIhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1111/resp.12855
Download Brazzale_et_al-2016-Respirology.pdf (1.3 MB)
AbstractTraditionally, spirometry testing tended to be confined to the realm of hospital-based laboratories but is now performed in a variety of health care settings. Regardless of the setting in which the test is conducted, the fundamental basis of spirometry is that the test is both performed and interpreted according to the international standards. The purpose of this Australian and New Zealand Society of Respiratory Science (ANZSRS) statement is to provide the background and recommendations for the interpretation of spirometry results in clinical practice. This includes the benchmarking of an individual's results to population reference data, as well as providing the platform for a statistically and conceptually based approach to the interpretation of spirometry results. Given the many limitations of older reference equations, it is imperative that the most up-to-date and relevant reference equations are used for test interpretation. Given this, the ANZSRS recommends the adoption of the Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI) 2012 spirometry reference values throughout Australia and New Zealand. The ANZSRS also recommends that interpretation of spirometry results is based on the lower limit of normal from the reference values and the use of Z-scores where available.

http://www.ibas.org.au/what-we-do/publications/3872830


< More publications



CHEST-MND:PROCHEST-MND:PRO

Motor neurone disease (MND) causes the body's muscles to weaken. Breathing muscle weakness means that most people affected by MND will eventually lose the ability to take a deep breath and cough strongly....

Respiratory Biomarkers in Motor Neurone DiseaseRESPIRATORY BIOMARKERS IN MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE

The inability to breathe is unfortunately the most common cause of death in people living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Last year, our clinical research group in Melbourne reported that breathing...

ANZSRS Life Membership for Danny BrazzaleANZSRS LIFE MEMBERSHIP FOR DANNY BRAZZALE

Danny Brazzale has earned a prestigious ANZSRS Life Membership—held by only 11 people—for his global leadership and dedicated mentorship in respiratory science.

Perth Highlights: TSANZSRS 2026PERTH HIGHLIGHTS: TSANZSRS 2026

A huge congratulations to all our team members who participated in the excellent workshops and meetings at the TSANZSRS Annual Scientific Meeting in Perth in March 2026! Well Done!

Better Sleep, Better Life TipsBETTER SLEEP, BETTER LIFE TIPS

For World Sleep Day, Dr. Amy Jordan joined the "Get Cereal" panelists Sam and Matilda to share top tips for better sleep, discussing the vital importance of sleep health and hygiene in a podcast interview.

Recognising research meritRECOGNISING RESEARCH MERIT

Kudos to Dr. Lauren Booker & Dr. Jen Cori on their JOEM publication examining fatigue detection alarms in rural truck drivers. Their study explores the alarms' effectiveness, accuracy, and habituation, offering key insights into fatigue management.

Institute for Breathing and Sleep

Level 5, Harold Stokes Building, Austin Health
145 Studley Road
Heidelberg, Victoria, 3084

(03) 9496 5390

Email Us

Donate