Practical Computer Program for Routine Spirometric Testing Using the "Time-Sharing" Concept

¹ Career Development Awardee, National Heart Institute, National Institutes of Health. Associate Professor of Medicine, Director, Pulmonary Division, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla
² Research Engineer, Pulmonary Division, Department of Medicine, Georgetown University Medical School
³ Resident in Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, Georgetown University Medical School

A teletype-computer "time-sharing" concept has been applied to calculation and print-out of standard spirometric measurements. The factors which conditioned development of the software program and selection of hardware, and the steps involved in making the entire system operational are described. The simplicity, flexibility and the low cost and space requirement of this approach are outlined. Data derived from our laboratory using these methods are presented. It is concluded that variations on this basic theme can bring spirometric testing within the reach of a broad range of medical facilities and enhance the detection and management of patients with respiratory disease.