Pharmacy Clinical Pearl of the Day: COPD and FEV1/FVC

Clinical Pearl of the Day: COPD and forced exhalation volume in 1 second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC).

FEV1 and FEV1/FVC can determine the stage severity for COPD disease.

Explanation

• The above stages can be determined based on the FEV1/FVC ratio, as well as FEV1 numbers.
• FEV1: volume expired in the first second of maximal expiration after a maximal inspiration.
• FEV1/FVC: FEV1 expressed as a percentage of the FVC, gives a clinically useful index of airflow limitation.

Reference:

Microsoft Word - Spirometric Classifications of COPD.doc (ok.gov)