What is the feasibility of obtaining serial measurements of peak flow in workers suspected of having occupational asthma?
Eight case series report direct and blinded comparisons of serial peak flow measurement and either specific bronchial provocation testing (five studies) or an expert diagnosis (three studies) based on a combination of other types of evidence. Some cases are reported in more than one publication. Reported sensitivities and (particularly) specificities are consistently high: averaging 80% and 90% respectively.
Related Questions
- What is the feasibility of obtaining serial measurements of peak flow in workers suspected of having occupational asthma?
- Do subjects investigated for occupational asthma through serial peak expiratory flow measurements falsify their results?
- How many times per day should peak expiratory flow rates be assessed when investigating occupational asthma?
