Aim of the study: To evaluate the degree to which guideline recommendations for spirometry are used. Study design: Retrospective analysis of original lung function protocols. Material and methods: Criteria were derived from three guideline recommendations for lung function testing (Deutsche Atemwegsliga 1994; Hauptverband der gewerblichen Berufsgenossenschaften 1994; Deutsche Gesellschaft fiir Arbeits- und Umweltmedizin 2002) and by means of this criteria we evaluated the quality of spirometry. Results: 417 protocols were evaluated. In 10 cases calibration was documented on the same day as lung function testing.The fulfilment of acceptability criteria was documented in 119 cases (end of curve) and in 187 cases (start of curve). In 83.9% (n=350) only one breathing manoeuvre was documented. Conclusions: Acceptability criteria were fulfilled more often than reproducibility criteria. Like studies from other countries, our results show there is potential for improvement. Possibilities for intervention are offered by intensified training, optimised instrument technique and an adjustment of the authorisation criteria.
