Pulmonary function testing

Pulmonary Function Testing

Pulmonary function testing (PFT) is a complete evaluation of the respiratory system including patient history, physical examinations, and tests of pulmonary function. The primary purpose of pulmonary function testing is to identify the severity of pulmonary impairment.

Pronunciation

Pulmonary: /pʊlˈmɛnəri/ Function: /ˈfʌŋkʃən/ Testing: /ˈtɛstɪŋ/

Etymology

Pulmonary: From Latin pulmonarius (of the lungs) from pulmo (lung). Function: From Latin functio (performance, execution) from fungi (perform, execute). Testing: From Old French tester (to test).

Procedure

Pulmonary function testing measures the function of lung capacity and lung and chest wall mechanics to determine whether or not the patient has a lung problem. The patients are instructed to breathe into a mouthpiece that is connected to an instrument called a spirometer. The spirometer records the amount and the rate of air that the patient breathes in and out over a specified time. Some of the tests will require the patient to breathe in a specific gas or medicine to see how the lungs respond.

Types of Tests

There are several types of pulmonary function tests that may be used. These include:

Spirometry: This is the most common type of pulmonary function test and measures the amount of air a person can breathe in and out.
Lung volume tests: These are often done if the spirometry results are abnormal, and can provide more detailed information about lung function.
Gas diffusion tests: These tests measure the amount of oxygen and other gases that move through the lungs' air sacs per minute.
Exercise stress tests: These tests assess lung function as a person is exercising.

Pulmonary function testing

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