Forced expiratory volume in six seconds

• Forced expiratory volume in 6 s (FEV6) is used as a surrogate for FVC
  • there is much evidence that FEV6 is equivalent to FVC and is easier to measure (1,2)
    • FEV6 may improve reproducibility with no significant loss of sensitivity or specificity
    • an electronic device for FEV1 measurement (FEV1 meter) is the same size as a peak flow meter and can be used for examination anywhere. Measurement can be performed easily and immediately; the device can be used to promote pulmonary function test and for screening purposes. The precision of the device has been assessed for FEV1 in pulmonary diseases
    • an electronic handy device for FEV1 and FEV6 measurement (FEV1/FEV6 meter) has been developed
    • a meta-analysis concluded that FEV(1)/FEV(6) is a sensitive and specific test for the diagnosis of airway obstruction. FEV(1)/FEV(6) can be used as a valid alternative for FEV(1)/FVC in the diagnosis of airway obstruction (3)

Reference:

• 1) Enright RL, Connett JE, Bailey WC. The FEV1/FEV6 predicts lung function decline in adult smokers. Respir Med 2002;96: 444-449.
• 2) Akpinar-Elci M et al. FEV6 as a surrogate for FVC in detecting airways obstruction and restriction in the workplace. Eur Respir J 2006;27: 374-377.
• 3) Jing JY et al. Should FEV1/FEV6 replace FEV1/FVC ratio to detect airway obstruction? A metaanalysisChest. 2009 Apr;135(4):991-8.