Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of proficiency testing in pulmonary function laboratories?

1. To assess staff competency

2. To ensure equipment reliability

3. To compare lab results with established standards

4. To measure patient satisfaction

The correct answer is: To compare lab results with established standards

Proficiency testing in pulmonary function laboratories serves a crucial role in maintaining the quality and reliability of test results. The primary purpose is to compare lab results with established standards. This process involves evaluating the laboratory's performance by having them conduct specific tests on samples with known values, enabling them to assess their accuracy and precision in measuring lung function parameters. By participating in proficiency testing, laboratories can identify any discrepancies in their results compared to the accepted standards. This ensures that the tests performed are valid and that diagnoses or treatment plans based on these tests are accurate, ultimately enhancing patient care. While assessing staff competency and ensuring equipment reliability are important aspects of a well-functioning laboratory, they are not the primary focus of proficiency testing. Measuring patient satisfaction, while valuable, does not directly relate to the scientific and technical quality control aspect that proficiency testing aims to evaluate.