Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) Practice Exam

What indicates a successful proficiency test in a pulmonary function lab?

1. All results match the expected levels

2. A minimum of 75% accuracy among participating laboratories

3. Significant improvement over previous tests

4. Consistent results across all equipment used

The correct answer is: A minimum of 75% accuracy among participating laboratories

A successful proficiency test in a pulmonary function lab is best indicated by maintaining a minimum accuracy standard among the participating laboratories. Achieving 75% accuracy ensures that a significant majority of laboratories are performing tests reliably and effectively in accordance with established standards. This benchmark reflects the collective capability of these laboratories to produce valid and comparable results, which is essential for maintaining the integrity of pulmonary function testing. While matching results to expected levels, showing improvement over prior tests, or achieving consistency across different equipment are valuable indicators of a laboratory's performance, they do not necessarily capture the broader context of proficiency across multiple laboratories. A minimum accuracy threshold provides a clear, quantifiable measure that facilitates the assessment of lab performance on a larger scale, allowing for effective benchmarking and quality improvement across the field.