As with other American Thoracic Society statements on
pulmonary function testing, these guidelines come out of a
consensus conference. Drafts were prepared by two members
(P.L.E. and R.J.Z.) and were based on a comprehensive Medline
literature search from 1970 through 2001, augmented by
suggestions from other committee members. Each draft responded
to comments from the working committee. The guidelines
follow previously published methods as closely as possible
and provide a rationale for each specific recommendation.
The final recommendations represent a consensus of the committee.
The committee recommends that these guidelines be
reviewed in five years and in the meantime encourages further
research in areas of controversy