Language Disparities in the PFT Lab: Implications for PFT Lab Quality Performance - Takeaways - MDSpire
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Addressing Language Barriers in Pulmonary Function Testing: Effects on Lab Quality and Patient Outcomes

  • By

  • David A. Kaminsky

  • July 14, 2026

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  • 1

    Language barriers significantly reduce access to healthcare and worsen outcomes for non-English-speaking patients.

  • 2

    In a study, 19% of pulmonary function tests (PFTs) involved language discordance, leading to higher rates of low-quality results.

  • 3

    Low-quality spirometry scores were found in 40% of tests with language discordance, compared to 16% in nondiscordant tests.

  • 4

    Technologist experience of less than 12 months was associated with lower quality spirometry results, highlighting training gaps.

  • 5

    The study suggests that simply providing translation services is insufficient to overcome communication challenges in PFTs.

Original Source(s)

Language Disparities in the PFT Lab: Implications for PFT Lab Quality Performance

  • by David A. Kaminsky

  • July 14, 2026

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