During the aspirin challenge test, when should the patient ideally be tested?

The best time to conduct the aspirin challenge test is when FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second) is greater than 70%. This is important because the test is designed to assess the potential for aspirin-induced airway hyperreactivity, particularly in individuals with a history of asthma and potential aspirin sensitivity.

When conducting this test, a stable pulmonary function is essential to accurately assess the response to aspirin. Testing during periods of compromised lung function, such as during a severe asthma episode or post-attack, could result in misleading results and misinterpretation of the patient's aspirin sensitivity. Similarly, conducting the test during medication adjustment may also induce variability in the patient's response, leading to unreliable outcomes. Thus, having a stable FEV1 above 70% ensures that the patient's asthma is well-managed and allows for a safe and reliable evaluation of the reaction to aspirin.