Measure spirometry

Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 3:08 PM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Unit of competency

National Code
HLTHPS011

State Code
OFH95

TGA Status
Current

DTWD Status
Pending

Current Release Number
1.00

Current Release Date
22/12/2025

View on TGA

State Implementation and Classification

Approved Date

Field of Education

030717 - Plant And Machine Operations

Original Release Date

Nominal Hours

Description

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare an individual for spirometry, complete the spirometry test and to provide a report as an aid to the diagnosis and management of ventilatory impairment. This unit applies to any health worker who takes spirometry measurements. Spirometry measurement is commonly conducted in hospitals, respiratory physician's rooms, general practitioner (GP) rooms, pharmacies and pathology collection centres. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with current Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Notes

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare spirometer and materials for use

1.1 Prepare spirometer equipment in accordance with manufacturer specifications

2. Prepare individual for procedure

2.1 Greet individual courteously and identify self
2.2 Identify individual according to organisational procedures
2.3 Obtain, read and record individual’s information according to organisationalprocedures
2.4 Identify and respond to contraindications for performing spirometry within scope of own job role
2.5 Clarify information with requesting health professional
2.6 Take accurate measurements from the individual, consider other inputs and calculate reference values from established value sets
2.7 Position individual to ensure comfort and safety of individual and self, according to test requirements

3. Perform spirometry

3.1 Prepare equipment to commence recording and record additional information
3.2 Coach individual through procedure with the provision of continuous instruction, encouragement and reassurance
3.3 Observe individual throughout the procedure for ability to continue
3.4 Identify recording as technically correct
3.5 Provide individual with feedback on performance
3.6 Repeat spirometry as necessary to comply with current industry standards
3.7 Make technically acceptable measurements according to current industry standards
3.8 Select indices for report according to current industry standards
3.9 Identify the need for administration of a bronchodilator according to current industry standards and medical officer request
3.10 Allow sufficient time for peak effect from bronchodilator and repeat spirometry
3.11 Identify and respond to clinical emergenciesaccording toorganisational procedures

4. Complete spirometry measurement

4.1 Assist individual as required on completion of procedure
4.2 Review follow up arrangements with individual
4.3 Respond to the individual’s questions
4.4 Dispose of waste and clean materials according to organisational procedures, and infection control guidelines
4.5 Clean, restock and store equipment according to manufacture specifications
4.6 Complete report and provide a provisional interpretation of results and forward to physician for final interpretation
4.7 Forward report and interpretation to requesting medical officer
4.8 Enter details of individual and test completed on to database and/or hospital information system

No information

Replaces

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
AVA39	HLTHPS004	Measure spirometry	Unit of competency

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
BTS1	HLT37525	Certificate III in Pathology	Qualification