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Pulmonary Function Testing

Pulmonary Function Testing

Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are diagnostic assessments that evaluate the functionality of your lungs. These tests analyze lung volume, capacity, airflow rates, and gas exchange capabilities. The results obtained from these tests assist healthcare providers in diagnosing specific lung conditions and determining appropriate treatment plans. Various disorders can impede air movement in and out of the lungs, categorized as obstructive and restrictive conditions.

Obstructive disorders involve difficulty with air exiting the lungs due to airway resistance, resulting in decreased airflow speed.

Restrictive disorders occur when the lung tissue or chest muscles are unable to expand fully, leading to airflow issues predominantly caused by reduced lung volume.

Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) can be conducted using two distinct methods, which can be combined to conduct a variety of tests based on the specific information needed by your healthcare provider. The choice of method is determined by the type of data required:

  • Spirometry: This method involves using a spirometer, which is a device that connects to a small electronic machine via a mouthpiece.
  • Plethysmography: This method requires you to sit or stand inside an airtight box while the tests are performed.

Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) assess various parameters, including:

  • Tidal volume: The volume of air inhaled or exhaled during regular breathing.
  • Minute volume: The total air exhaled per minute.
  • Vital capacity: The maximum volume of air exhaled after a full inhalation.
  • Functional residual capacity: The air remaining in the lungs after a normal exhalation.
  • Residual volume: The air left in the lungs after maximal exhalation.
  • Total lung capacity: The maximum lung volume when fully inflated.
  • Forced vital capacity (FVC): The forcefully exhaled air after maximal inhalation.
  • Forced expiratory volume: The air exhaled at specific intervals during the FVC test.
  • Forced expiratory flow: The average flow rate during the mid-portion of the FVC test.
  • Peak expiratory flow rate: The maximum rate of air expulsion from the lungs.

The interpretation of pulmonary function test (PFT) results considers individual variations. Comparisons are made between the air volume exchanged during your test and the typical values for an individual of similar age, height, gender, and ethnicity. Additionally, your current results are evaluated against your previous test outcomes. Abnormal PFT findings or changes in results may prompt the need for further diagnostic tests.

Why Would I Need a Pulmonary Function Test?

There are various reasons why pulmonary function tests (PFTs) may be necessary. These tests are sometimes conducted as part of routine health screenings for healthy individuals. PFTs may also be used to check lung function before surgery or other procedures. This may be done in people who have lung or heart problems, who are smokers, or who have other health conditions. Another use of PFTs is to assess treatment for asthma, emphysema, and other chronic lung problems. Additionally, PFTs may be ordered by healthcare providers to aid in diagnosing various health conditions, including:

  • Allergies
  • Respiratory infections
  • Breathing difficulties resulting from chest injuries or recent surgeries
  • Chronic lung conditions like asthma, bronchiectasis, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis
  • Asbestosis, a lung disease caused by asbestos inhalation
  • Restrictive airway issues related to scoliosis, tumors, or lung inflammation/scarring
  • Sarcoidosis, a condition characterized by inflammatory cell clusters around organs like the lungs, liver, and spleen
  • Scleroderma, a disease involving connective tissue thickening and hardening.

What Are the Possible Risks of Pulmonary Function Tests?

Pulmonary function testing is not an invasive procedure. It is safe and quick for most people. The person must be able to follow clear, simple directions.

All procedures have some risks. The risks of this procedure may include:

  • Dizziness during the tests
  • Feeling short of breath
  • Coughing
  • Asthma attack brought on by deep inhalation

In some cases, you shouldn’t have PFTs. Reasons for this can include:

  • Recent eye surgery because of increased pressure inside the eyes during the procedure
  • Recent belly or chest surgery
  • Chest pain, recent heart attack, or an unstable heart condition
  • A bulging blood vessel (aneurysm) in the chest, belly, or brain
  • Active tuberculosis or respiratory infection, such as a cold or the flu

Your risks may vary depending on your general health and other factors. Ask your healthcare provider which risks apply most to you. Talk with them about any concerns you have.

What Happens During Pulmonary Function Tests?

You may have your test as an outpatient. This means you go home the same day. Or it may be done as part of a longer stay in the hospital. The way the test is done may vary. It depends on your condition and your healthcare provider's methods. In most cases, the test will follow this process:

You’ll be asked to loosen tight clothing, jewelry, or other things that may cause a problem with the test.

  • If you wear dentures, you must wear them during the test.
  • You’ll need to empty your bladder before the test.
  • You’ll sit in a chair. A soft clip will be put on your nose. All your breathing is done through your mouth, not your nose.
  • You’ll be given a disposable mouthpiece attached to a spirometer.
  • You’ll form a tight seal over the mouthpiece with your mouth. You’ll be instructed to inhale and exhale in different ways.
  • You will be watched carefully during the test for dizziness, trouble breathing, or other problems.
  • You may be given a bronchodilator after certain tests. This medicine causes widening of the bronchi, the large air tubes that lead from the windpipe (trachea) to the lungs. The tests will then be repeated several minutes later after the bronchodilator has taken effect.

What Happens After Pulmonary Function Tests?

You may be tired after the tests if you have a history of lung or breathing problems. You will be given a chance to rest afterward. Your healthcare provider will talk with you about your test results.

Location & Hours of Operation

Our Pulmonary Function Testing Lab is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00am - 5:00pm, and is located on the Lobby Level of MarinHealth Medical Center, in Room: L503 (across from our Radiology check-in area).

Appointments
To schedule an appointment, please call: 415-925-7301.
Referring providers: Please fax orders to: 415-925-7317. Please refer to the following instructions to help you fill out the order requisition.