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Spirometry is a commonly used test of lung function, an important tool in the diagnosis, and monitoring of respiratory diseases and is frequently used in epidemiological and clinical research. Epidemiological researchers need to be aware of these potential systematic differences and correct for them in analyses using methods such as regression calibration.

Use of different types of spirometers may result in significant systematic differences in lung function values. Regression calibration indicated that an increase of 1 L in the EasyOne measurements corresponded to an average increase of 1.032 L in FEV 1 and 1.005 L in FVC in the Masterscreen measurements. The mean FEV 1 difference of 0.24 L and mean FVC difference of 0.37 L between the spirometers (corresponding to 6.3 and 8.4% difference, respectively) were statistically significant and consistent between younger ( 30 years) and between males and females. The mean (SD) FEV 1 and FVC was 3.78 (0.63) L and 4.78 (0.63) L for the Masterscreen pneumotachograph and 3.54 (0.60) L and 4.41 (0.83) L for the EasyOne spirometer.

We used regression calibration to provide a correction equation. Data were analysed using correlation plots, Bland and Altman plots and formal paired t-tests. Methodsįorty-nine volunteers had lung function measured on two different spirometers in random order with at least three attempts on each spirometer. We also provide a correction equation for correcting systematic differences using regression calibration.

We aimed to explore considerations in the use of different spirometers in epidemiological studies by comparing forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV 1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) measurements between the Masterscreen pneumotachograph and EasyOne spirometers. The use of different types of spirometers in epidemiological and clinical studies may present systematically different results affecting interpretation and implication of results. Spirometric lung function measurements have been proven to be excellent objective markers of respiratory morbidity.