Click on the image above for a printable Indications Checklist to make sure you’re performing spirometry when necessary on all your patients!

Spirometry is invaluable as a screening test of general respiratory health just as blood pressure provides important information about general cardiovascular health. Spirometry results combined with subjective (history) data from patients help physicians to provide an accurate diagnosis. The tables below provide some indications and contraindications for spirometry.

Primary Indications for Spirometry

• Smokers over age 40
• Shortness of breath
• Shortness of breath during exercise
• Chronic cough
• Frequent colds
• Allergic Rhinitis
• Known or Possible Asthma
• Known or Possible Bronchitis
• Known or Possible COPD
• Wheezing
• Exposure to environmental air pollution
• Assessment of patients receiving respiratory medication (i.e. bronchodilators, etc.)
• Pre-operative risk assessment
• Assessment of health status prior to beginning strenuous physical activity programs
• Disability Impairment evaluations
• Risk assessment as part of an insurance evaluation

Contraindications for Spirometry

• Extreme shortness of breath
• Extreme cough
• Chest or abdominal pain of any cause
• Oral or facial pain exacerbated by a mouthpiece
• Stress incontinence
• Dementia or confused state