Pulmonary Function Testing

Pulmonary function testing is a procedure used to determine lung function for the purpose of:

--Diagnosis of new lung disease

--Clearance for planned surgeries

--Assessing status of existing lung disease

--Assessing affects of medical treatment on lung function

            Pulmonary function testing is a series of breathing maneuvers performed by a registered Respiratory Therapist while seated in a booth, using a mouthpiece (small cardboard tube) to collect breaths.  A nose clip is placed as well to prevent air from escaping through the nose.  Usually, seven tests are performed and a bronchodilator (inhaler) if given at approximately the halfway point to determine if there is improvement with the medication.  The testing requires approximately 1 hour to complete. 

            Because a bronchodilator is given as part of the test, it is important for the patient to hold all breathing treatments and inhalers.  These include: 

                        Medication                             Hold for:

            Albuterol, ProAir, Proventil               4 hours

            Ventolin, Maxair, Xopenex,

            Combivent, Atrovent

            Advair, Symbicort, Foradil               12 hours

            Serevent

            Spiriva                                                   24 hours

            The tests are performed only at our main office at 6728 Loop Road, on the third floor in Suite 304.  Patients should check in and wait until called for the procedure at the patient clinic on the first floor, Suite 101.  Tests are scheduled on an hourly basis (8 am,  9 am, 10 am and 11 am and 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm and 4 pm). 

            Tests are normally ordered following an appointment with one of our lung doctors, but we can schedule testing as ordered by your primary care physician as well.  When complete, reports with color graphs are sent to your primary care physician as well as kept in your permanent chart at our office.