Spirometry (ndd EasyOne Air)

Lung function test assessing respiratory capacity and airflow to evaluate pulmonary and cardiovascular health.

Spirometry (ndd EasyOne Air)

Table of contents

Basic data

Spirometry (ndd EasyOne Air) is a non-invasive diagnostic test that measures how much air you can inhale and exhale and how quickly you can do so. It provides key insights into the condition of your lungs and the efficiency of your respiratory system, helping detect early signs of airway obstruction, restriction, or decreased pulmonary performance.

The test evaluates fundamental respiratory parameters such as Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV₁), and Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF). These values indicate both the mechanical capacity of your lungs and the health of your airways. Regular spirometry is a cornerstone of preventive screening for respiratory conditions and overall cardiopulmonary health.

Category: Cardiovascular tests

Level: Intermediate

Usefulness: Medium

Level

Intermediate

This is an intermediate-level test suited for individuals seeking a deeper understanding of their respiratory and cardiopulmonary function. It’s recommended for those who have already established basic health tracking and wish to monitor fitness, lung health, or the impact of training, environment, and aging on respiratory performance.

Usefulness

Medium

Spirometry helps evaluate lung function and provides insight into how efficiently oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged in your body. It’s valuable for assessing breathing efficiency, monitoring exercise performance, and detecting early signs of respiratory dysfunction.
Assessment of respiratory capacity

Measures the amount and speed of air you can exhale, helping evaluate pulmonary health and detect early obstructions or restrictions.

Baseline for respiratory fitness

Establishes a reference point for future comparisons, especially useful for athletes or individuals monitoring lung performance over time.

Preventive value

Early detection of subclinical airway issues or reduced ventilatory capacity supports proactive health interventions.

How it works

Spirometry uses a flow sensor to record the rate and volume of air inhaled and exhaled during forced breathing maneuvers. The test typically takes less than 10 minutes and is completely non-invasive.
Forced expiratory maneuver

The participant inhales deeply and exhales forcefully into the spirometer. The device records airflow rate and total volume to calculate key parameters such as FVC and FEV₁.

Data analysis

The results are compared to predicted values based on age, sex, height, and ethnicity. Deviations may indicate obstructive or restrictive patterns requiring further evaluation.

Measures

The spirometry report presents several key lung function indicators reflecting both volume and flow characteristics.
FVC (Forced Vital Capacity)

The maximum volume of air that can be forcibly exhaled after full inhalation; reflects lung capacity.

FEV₁ (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second)

The amount of air exhaled during the first second of a forced breath; reduced values may indicate airway obstruction.

FEV₁/FVC ratio

The proportion of exhaled air in the first second relative to total capacity — key diagnostic metric for obstructive vs. restrictive patterns.

PEF (Peak Expiratory Flow)

The maximum flow rate achieved during forced expiration, representing airway power and patency.

Reliability

Spirometry is a globally standardized and validated diagnostic method. The ndd EasyOne Air system provides highly accurate, reproducible results and is widely used in both clinical and preventive health contexts.
Calibration and precision

The device uses ultrasonic flow technology that requires no calibration, ensuring consistent accuracy across sessions.

Reproducibility

Multiple test repetitions are performed to ensure consistent results and minimize variability due to user effort.

Limitations

While spirometry provides valuable functional data, its accuracy depends on user cooperation and effort quality.
Effort-dependent

Inadequate inhalation or incomplete exhalation can distort results; proper technique and coaching are essential.

Limited scope

Does not identify structural lung abnormalities — may require imaging or advanced pulmonary tests for detailed diagnosis.

Frequency

Suggested cadence

Once every 1–2 years as part of a comprehensive health check-up, or more frequently for individuals exposed to pollutants, smoke, or respiratory risk factors.

Cost

Typical costs

Around €40–80 depending on the facility and inclusion of professional interpretation or extended pulmonary assessment.

Availability

Where available

Commonly available at diagnostic clinics, pulmonary laboratories, and longevity clinics equipped with ndd EasyOne Air or equivalent spirometry systems.

Preparation

How to prepare

Avoid smoking, caffeine, and strenuous exercise for at least 4 hours before the test. Wear comfortable clothing and follow clinician instructions for optimal effort.

Interpretation

Spirometry results are interpreted based on how your measured values compare to predicted norms, revealing whether lung function is normal, obstructed, or restricted.
Normal results

Indicate healthy lung function and normal airflow without obstruction or restriction.

Obstructive pattern

Suggests narrowing or blockage of airways (e.g., asthma, chronic bronchitis). FEV₁ and FEV₁/FVC are reduced.

Restrictive pattern

Indicates reduced lung expansion capacity (e.g., fibrosis, muscle weakness). FVC is low, but FEV₁/FVC ratio remains normal or elevated.

Alternatives

Body plethysmography

Measures total lung capacity and airway resistance — a more advanced, comprehensive pulmonary test.

Cardiop