Pulmonary function tests, also known as lung function tests, are performed to assess lung function and determine the degree of damage to the lungs. Along with patient history and xrays, these tests are an important measure in evaluating respiratory health.
Pulmonary function tests are used for a number of reasons:
- Investigation of breathlessness
- Screening for the existence of lung diseases such as asthma
- Determining a patient’s condition prior to surgery
- Assessing the progression of lung disease
- Evaluating the effectiveness of prescribed treatment
We offer spirometry testing and diffusion studies.
Spirometry testing, Ben & Steph
Spirometry Testing
It is performed with a hand-held device called a spirometer and can easily be used by patients with the assistance of an experienced technician.
Spirometry requires the patient, after all air has been expelled, to inhale deeply. This maneuver is then followed by a rapid exhalation so that all the air is exhausted from the lungs. You will be tested twice, both before and after you are given a bronchodilator.
Your test results will be compared with tables of normal values that use variables such as age, gender, body size and race as a method of standardization.
Diffusion Testing
Lung diffusion testing measures how well the lungs exchange gases. This is an important part of lung testing, because the major function of the lungs is to allow oxygen to “diffuse” or pass into the blood from the lungs, and to allow carbon dioxide to “diffuse” from the blood into the lungs.
The patient is required to breathe in air containing a very small amount of a tracer gas, such as carbon monoxide. Breath is held for 10 seconds, then rapidly blown out.The exhaled gas is tested to determine how much of the tracer gas was absorbed during the breath.
Fees
All our lung function tests are bulk billed and submitted electronically to Medicare on behalf of patients if they have a valid referral.