Race-Neutral Spirometry May Improve Diagnostic Accuracy, With Nicole Ramsey, MD, PhD

Using race-neutral reference equations to interpret spirometry may improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce disparities in respiratory care, according to Nicole Ramsey, MD, PhD, assistant professor of pediatrics in the division of pediatric allergy and immunology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

On March 2, 2026, at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology (AAAAI) annual meeting in Philadelphia, Ramsey presented the session, “Using Race-Neutral Spirometry Equations Improves Diagnostic Accuracy.” She discussed the clinical implications of shifting away from race-adjusted spirometry equations, which is an approach historically used in pulmonary function testing. She emphasized that clinicians should consider adopting race-neutral reference equations, such as those derived from the Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI), to interpret spirometry results more consistently across patient populations.

“The main takeaway message from my session is that physicians should be using race-neutral reference equations to interpret their spirometry,” Ramsey told HCPLive. “Whether that has to do with using the mixed equation from the GLI 2012 reference equations or just using the GLI ’22 or July global equations, they will improve diagnostic accuracy if they use those equations.”

Spirometry remains a foundational tool for diagnosing and monitoring obstructive and restrictive lung diseases, including conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Traditional interpretation of spirometry results has relied on race-specific correction factors, which adjust predicted lung function values based on racial categories. However, Ramsey noted that this approach is increasingly questioned because race is a social construct rather than a biological determinant of lung function.

Race-neutral equations aim to address this limitation by applying the same reference standards to all individuals. According to Ramsey, removing race-based adjustments can improve diagnostic accuracy by preventing misclassification of lung disease severity.

In particular, the shift may have meaningful implications for patients who identify as Black. Ramsey explained that race-adjusted spirometry equations can sometimes produce falsely normal interpretations, potentially delaying diagnosis or masking clinically meaningful impairment. Spirometry results influence a wide range of clinical and administrative decisions, including treatment selection, disability assessments, and referral for advanced interventions such as lung transplantation.

Ramsey highlighted how race-adjusted equations can lead to differences in treatment classification. For example, two children, 1 Black and 1 White, with identical symptoms and pulmonary function measurements could be categorized differently when race-specific equations are used. In some cases, the White child might be classified as having moderate impairment, while the Black child might be categorized as having only mild impairment.

“What that could potentially mean is that the White child would get better or more comprehensive treatment,” Ramsey explained. “The Black child might not receive treatment as quickly, which could lead to more long-standing detrimental effects from asthma.”

Reanalysis of existing datasets also suggests that race-neutral spirometry could alter eligibility for disability benefits. Ramsey noted that analyses indicate Black and Asian veterans with COPD may have been undercompensated when disability assessments relied on race-adjusted lung function thresholds. In some cases, monthly disability payments could differ by as much as $3000 when race-neutral equations are applied.

Modeling studies suggest the interpretation change could influence transplant referral timelines. Analyses of population datasets have estimated that Black patients could qualify for lung transplant listing sooner when race-neutral spirometry equations are used, potentially shortening wait times by several weeks in some scenarios.

Ramsey acknowledged that the transition to race-neutral spirometry may produce unintended consequences. For example, certain professions that rely on spirometry thresholds, such as firefighting or military service, could see eligibility criteria shift for some individuals if race-neutral reference standards are adopted without broader policy adjustments.

“Race-neutral reference equations are not perfect,” Ramsey said. “But because race-adjusted equations falsely consider race a biological concept, they’re the best thing that we have…they improve diagnosis… and [help patients] get to care faster.”

References

Ramsey, N. Using Race-Neutral Spirometry Equations Improves Diagnostic Accuracy. Session presented at the 2026 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology in Philadelphia on March 2, 2026.