Patient cooperation is central to obtaining accurate spirometry results; patients need to feel comfortable and safe in order to perform optimally. Even before the patient enters the appointment room, effort needs to be made to ensure the waiting area and corridors are comfortable and accessible for everyone.

The seating area and furniture should be comfortable. The temperature and ventilation should be acceptable and heaters and fans made available if necessary. To reduce the risk of falls, the floor area must be clear. Hand rails or appropriate furniture to lean on should also be provided.

Spirometry should not be performed standing up

The testing room needs to be spacious for mobility scooters and other wheelchairs to manoeuvre safely. The patient chair needs to have back and arm support because occasionally patients performing spirometry may become lightheaded.