Which of these measures is critical in validating spirometry results?

Reproducibility is a critical measure in validating spirometry results because it ensures that the test results are consistent across multiple attempts. The quality of spirometry as a diagnostic tool hinges on the ability to obtain reliable and repeatable measurements, which indicates that the test has been administered correctly and that the results reflect the patient's true pulmonary function rather than variability caused by other factors.

In spirometry, reproducibility typically requires that successive measurements meet specific criteria, often defined by the American Thoracic Society (ATS) or other similar organizations. This may involve achieving a certain level of similarity between the best two out of three forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) readings. When results are reproducible, it strengthens the reliability of the diagnosis or monitoring of lung conditions.

While forced expiratory volume, maximal voluntary ventilation, and peak flow are important parameters in assessing lung function, they do not inherently provide the validation needed for the spirometry test results. These measures are part of the overall evaluation but are secondary to the concept of reproducibility in the context of ensuring accurate and dependable testing. Validating spirometry results fundamentally relies on the consistency of measurements obtained under standardized conditions, which is what reproducibility addresses directly.