According to ATS Standards, what is the status of the spirometer based on the calibration results?

• A. Inaccurate
• B. Lacking in precision
• C. Operating correctly
• D. Proof that the syringe requires calibration

Answer: (A)

The status of the spirometer based on calibration results is determined by whether it measures accurately and consistently. Calibration helps ensure that a spirometer provides reliable and precise measurements. If the calibration results indicate discrepancies beyond acceptable limits, the spirometer is categorized as inaccurate. This means it does not provide measurements that reflect the true values of the airflow being tested, which can lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment decisions in a clinical setting.

The other options relate to different aspects of measurement reliability but do not fully align with the assertion of the spirometer being unable to provide accurate data. For instance, lacking in precision would imply that while the spirometer may be consistent, it is not accurate. Conversely, operating correctly indicates that the device is functioning as it should, which contradicts the calibration results showing inaccuracies. The option about the syringe requiring calibration does not pertain directly to the spirometer's status but addresses a different component of the measurement system. Thus, based on the calibration results indicating inaccuracies, the spirometer's status is marked as such.