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PFT (Pulmonary Function Test)

PFT (Pulmonary Function Test)

A Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure that evaluates how well your lungs are working. These tests measure lung volume, capacity, rates of flow, and gas exchange. This information can help healthcare providers diagnose and decide the treatment of certain lung disorders.

Types of Pulmonary Function Tests

Spirometry

  • Description : Spirometry is the most common PFT. It measures how much air you can inhale and exhale, as well as how quickly you can expel air from your lungs.
  • Procedure : You will be asked to breathe into a mouthpiece connected to a spirometer. You will need to take a deep breath and then exhale as hard and fast as possible.
  • Parameters Measured : The test evaluates how well your heart responds to increased physical activity and determines your exercise tolerance.
    • Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) : The total amount of air exhaled during the test.
    • Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1) : The amount of air exhaled in the first second of the test.

Plethysmography

  • Description : This test measures the volume of gas in your lungs, including the air that remains in your lungs after you have exhaled completely (residual volume).
  • Procedure : You will sit or stand in an airtight booth and breathe into a mouthpiece. Pressure changes in the booth help determine lung volumes.
  • Parameters Measured:
    • Total Lung Capacity (TLC) : The total volume of air in the lungs after taking the deepest breath possible.
    • Residual Volume (RV) : The amount of air remaining in the lungs after a forceful exhalation.

Diffusion Capacity (DLCO)

  • Description : This test measures how well the lungs exchange gases. It assesses how efficiently oxygen passes from the air sacs of the lungs into the blood.
  • Procedure : You will inhale a small amount of carbon monoxide (CO) gas, hold your breath for a short time, and then exhale. The amount of CO exhaled is measured to determine how much was absorbed.
  • Parameters Measured :
    • Diffusing Capacity for Carbon Monoxide (DLCO) : Indicates how well oxygen is being transferred into the blood.