forced vital capacity
Also written as: FVC — forced vital capacity
The total volume of air that can be forcefully exhaled from the lungs after a maximal inhalation, measured during spirometry and expressed in liters.
Full Definition
Forced vital capacity (FVC) is a key spirometric parameter representing the maximum volume of air expelled with maximal effort following a full inspiration. In pediatric pulmonology it is used to assess restrictive ventilatory defects, which manifest as a reduced FVC with a preserved or elevated FEV1/FVC ratio. Normal predicted values are age-, sex-, height-, and ethnicity-specific, and editors reviewing lung function reports should ensure these reference equations are cited (e.g., GLI-2012 reference values). FVC should always be reported in liters to two decimal places in clinical documents; editors should flag inconsistencies in units. It is frequently confused with FEV1 (a timed measure) by non-specialist authors.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize the abbreviation FVC. Report in liters. Distinguish from VC (slow vital capacity, measured without forced effort).
In Context
- "Spirometry revealed a reduced FVC at 68% predicted with a normal FEV1/FVC ratio, suggesting a restrictive pattern." — Pulmonary function test report editing
- "The author confused FVC with FEV1 in the results section; the editor queried the data tables to reconcile the discrepancy." — Clinical trial manuscript editing