APPENDIX E
GLOSSARY
ATS
Back
Extrapolation
BEV
BTPS Factor
Calibration
Syringe
Demographic
Data
Dyspnea
American Thoracic Society. The ATS is a
scientific organization whose members are active in
pulmonary research and the care of patients with
lung diseases. The ATS is interested in promoting
the accurate and appropriate use of spirometers
and has recommended a set of standards for
spirometers: “ATS Statement on Standardization of
Spirometry
The public relations branch of
the ATS is called the American Lung Association.
The method recommended by the ATS to
determine “time-zero” when measuring the
FEVl .
Refer to ATS standards for a full explanation of this
method.
Back Extrapolated Volume. The amount of air
exhaled by a subject before the “time-zero,” which is
determined by the method of back extrapolation.
In practice, a large BEV results from a slow or
hesitating start at the beginning of a forced
exhalation maneuver.
Body Temperature and Pressure, Saturated. A
number used to express all spirometry results
uniformly at body temperature and pressure, fully
saturated with water.
A large syringe, also known as a “super
syringe”, which is used to check the calibration
of a spirometer or to recalibrate it. The ATS
recommends that it be at least 3.0 liters in size for
use in checking spirometers.
Information about a patient including
age, height, sex and race necessary to predict
normal values for that patient.
Sensation of breathlessness or shortness of breath.
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