Spirometry Courses

Directed by Kendra Palmer Anderson, BA, CST

This course provides all necessary knowledge to correctly perform a lung function test. Students learn the requirements of OSHA standards and regulations. Practice sessions expose the students to a variety of flow and volume spirometers.

The course is designed for physicians, registered nurses, and other health professionals engaged in spirometric testing in both industrial and clinical settings, as well as those involved in the design and implementation of respiratory health screening and/or surveillance programs.

The course utilizes a combination of teaching methods including slide presentations, videos, lectures and practicum sessions. A final examination is given, consisting of theoretical and practical sessions. Upon successful completion of this 14-hour course, a certificate of completion is issued to each student who passes the course. This course (NIOSH #051) provides 20.4 contact hours approved by the CA Board of Registered Nursing. It is up to the participants to verify reciprocity of these units. This certification is good for 5 years.

Course Topics:

  • Apply the seven steps required to perform the spirometry test correctly
  • Understand the stimulus-response relationship as it applies to coaching during spirometric testing
  • Apply pattern recognition steps and QC criteria in order to identify poor maneuvers
  • Categorize data into obstructive and restrictive patterns and how data trending is used in company surveillance programs
  • Identify the best trial, measure and compute the FEV, FVC, FEV/FVC values, apply BTPS correction factors and compare to predicted values
  • Recognize the advantages and disadvantages of both flow-volume and time-volume displays
  • Understand and apply spirometer performance specifications when selecting a spirometer
  • Calibrate a spirometer
  • Use appropriate cleaning and sterilization techniques to prevent cross-contamination
  • Judge usefulness of using a respiratory symptom questionnaire

** To attend a 2 Day recertification course in Spirometry, the participant must have already attended a previous course instructed by Dr. Palmer. To register for additional 2-Day recertifiaction courses or for additional information about Spirometry or Respiratory courses, please call Palmer & Associates at (831) 239-0422.

Return to Courses to register for our upcoming Spirometry courses!