Determining the quality of spirometry of patients presenting to the clinician with an acute chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation

This study examined the accuracy and quality of spirometry data in 89 patients participating in a clinical trial who were admitted to hospital with an acute exacerbation of COPD. Spirometry was undertaken by formally trained technicians, who coached patients on correct technique. Spirometry was standardized across the different sites using a centralized spirometry system (Vitalograph Spirotrac).