A New Era in Lung Function Testing: How a Race-Neutral Approach is Changing the Conversation

The article highlights how self-reported race and ethnicity are used to interpret lung function measurements, but few studies have considered the role of environmental and social factors in pulmonary function. A study is presented that investigates if body proportions are better predictors of lung function than race and ethnicity. The study finds that including sitting height slightly improves the reference equations but does not explain differences in spirometry between race and ethnic groups. The study develops race-neutral reference equations for spirometry interpretation, which have similar accuracy but wider limits of normal. The article suggests using a single global spirometry equation for interpreting lung function measurements and making clinical decisions based on individual symptoms and medical history.