Why is this procedure done?
Pulmonary function tests are often called PFTs. They are a series of breathing tests used to check how well your lungs work. These tests include: ‚
- Spirometry ¢ ˆ ’ Used to check how much air you breathe in or out and how much air you can quickly breathe out.
- Arterial blood gas (ABG) ¢ ˆ ’ Used to check how much oxygen and carbon dioxide are in your blood
- Pulse oximetry ¢ ˆ ’ Measures how much oxygen is in your blood
PFTS are done to: ‚
- Learn the cause of breathing problems
- Find some lung problems like asthma or COPD
- Check how well your lungs work before surgery
- Check the cause of signs like cough or wheezing
- Check if your lungs are damaged after exposure to substances like asbestos
- Check your progress and the effect of drugs taken for lung problems
What will the results be?
The results will show the score or a reading of how well your lungs are working. This is based on your height, age, ethnicity, and sex. Your doctor will talk about the results with you. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Do not smoke, drink beer, wine, and mixed drinks, or exercise for at least 4 to 6 hours before the test.
- Stay away from caffeine. It may vary the results of your test.
- Eat a light meal before the test.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about all the drugs you are taking. These include bronchodilators, pain drugs, and sleeping pills. Ask your doctor if you need to use your inhaler before or after the test.
- Wear loose clothing that will not limit your breathing.
What happens during the procedure?
The tests may take from 5 to 30 minutes. It will depend on the type and how many tests you have. ‚
Spirometry ‚
- You can sit or stand up straight and hold the spirometer in an upright position. In some cases, you will have a nose clip on your nose. For some tests you will be asked to sit in a large glass box that looks like a phone booth.
- You will be asked to breathe normally. You doctor will put a mouth piece into your mouth. Seal your lips tightly. Breathe in slowly and deeply through your mouth.
- Your doctor will ask you to do breathing exercises. You may be asked to breathe out as hard and fast as you are able. For other tests you may be asked to take short quick breaths like you are panting. Your doctor will tell you what you need to do. You may need to repeat the test 5 to 10 times or as often as your doctor says.
- After the test is done, do coughing exercises. This will help get rid of fluid build-up in your lungs and keep your lungs clear.
ABG test ‚
- It will only take a few minutes to have this test. You will be awake the whole time. You will have a small amount of blood taken from you with a needle. The blood is taken from an artery in your wrist. You may have a small amount of pain. The needle will be taken out and a bandage will be put on your skin. The blood will be sent to the lab for testing.
Pulse oximetry ‚
- Your doctor will put the clip on your fingertip, toe, or earlobe. Sometimes, a special tape is used to keep the clip in place.
- The clip is left in place for a few minutes. The light from the clip will check and record your pulse rate and amount of oxygen in your blood. Then, the clip will be removed.
- In some cases, your doctor may have you rest or do some exercises while wearing the clip.
What happens after the procedure?
- You can go home right after the tests.
- Ask the doctor when you will get the results.
What care is needed at home?
You may go back to your normal activities when you go home. Ask your doctor if it is OK to restart any drugs you take. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- The results will help your doctor understand what kind of problem you have. Together you can make a plan for more care.
What problems could happen?
A small risk of a lung collapse is possible with some types of lung tests. ‚
Where can I learn more?
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/lft/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚