Comprehensive lung function assessment using advanced spirometry and specialized testing to diagnose, monitor, and manage respiratory conditions with precision.
Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) are a comprehensive group of non-invasive diagnostic tests that evaluate how well your lungs work. These sophisticated assessments measure lung volumes, capacities, rates of airflow, and gas exchange efficiency. PFTs provide crucial information about respiratory health and help diagnose various lung conditions.
PFTs are considered the gold standard for assessing respiratory function. They can detect lung problems before symptoms appear, monitor disease progression, and evaluate treatment effectiveness. The tests are essential for surgical clearance, occupational health assessments, and disability evaluations.
Most Common Test: Measures how much air you can breathe in and out, and how fast you can breathe out. Essential for diagnosing asthma, COPD, and other respiratory conditions.
Parameters Measured: FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC ratio, PEFR, FEF 25-75%
Advanced Testing: Determines total lung capacity and residual volume using body plethysmography or gas dilution techniques.
Clinical Use: Diagnoses restrictive lung disease, monitors disease progression
Gas Exchange Assessment: Measures how efficiently oxygen moves from lungs to bloodstream.
Clinical Applications: Evaluates pulmonary fibrosis, emphysema, pulmonary hypertension
Reversibility Testing: Compares lung function before and after bronchodilator medication.
Diagnostic Value: Differentiates asthma from COPD, guides treatment decisions
Patient Instructions: Arrive 15 minutes early, wear comfortable clothing, avoid tight belts. Height and weight are measured for reference values calculation.
Medical History: Review current medications, smoking history, recent respiratory infections
Quality Assurance: Spirometer calibration verification, disposable mouthpiece and nose clip preparation.
Patient Positioning: Seated comfortably with proper posture, feet flat on floor
Breathing Maneuvers: Multiple trials of forced vital capacity (FVC) maneuvers. Patient takes deepest breath, then exhales as hard and fast as possible.
Quality Control: Minimum 3 acceptable trials, reproducibility criteria met
Medication Administration: Bronchodilator (usually Salbutamol) given via inhaler or nebulizer.
Waiting Period: 15-20 minute wait, then repeat spirometry to assess reversibility
Additional Assessments: Lung volumes, diffusion capacity, or exercise testing based on clinical indication.
Specialized Protocols: Methacholine challenge test for asthma diagnosis if needed
| Parameter | Normal Range | Clinical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| FVC (Forced Vital Capacity) | ≥80% predicted | Total air exhaled forcefully |
| FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume) | ≥80% predicted | Air exhaled in first second |
| FEV1/FVC Ratio | ≥0.70 (70%) | Airway obstruction indicator |
| PEFR (Peak Flow) | ≥80% predicted | Maximum airflow rate |
| FEF 25-75% | ≥65% predicted | Small airway function |
Results are compared to predicted normal values based on age, height, gender, and ethnicity. Values below 80% of predicted may indicate respiratory impairment. A qualified pulmonologist should always interpret results in clinical context.
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