Comprehensive Lung Function Testing Services

Lung function testing involves diagnostic procedures to assess the capacity and efficiency of the lungs in airflow and gas exchange. It helps in diagnosing respiratory conditions.
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Respiratory Assessments | Pulmonary Function Tests | Spirometry | Peak Flow Meter | Lung Capacity Tests
Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Dr. Helena Rodriguez

Lung Function Testing FAQ


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What are lung function tests?

Lung function tests are a group of tests that check how well your lungs are working. These tests are also called pulmonary function tests, or PFTs. They may be used with other tests and information to help diagnose and monitor certain lung diseases. There are many types of lung function tests. Most of them involve breathing through a mouthpiece.

What are pulmonary function tests?

Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are noninvasive tests that show how well the lungs are working. The tests measure lung volume, capacity, rates of flow, and gas exchange. This information can help your healthcare provider diagnose and decide the treatment of certain lung disorders.

Do you need a lung function test?

If you need one or more lung function tests, your provider may also order a blood oxygen level test called an arterial blood gas (ABG) test. This blood test measures the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood. Lung function tests show how well your lungs work.

Can a physiologist explain a lung function test?

In all cases, a respiratory physiologist will explain the tests to you and answer any questions you may have. In most cases it will be possible for a friend or relative to accompany you for all or part of the test. Please ask your nurse or doctor. What is a lung function test?

What is a lung function test?

Lung function tests (spirometry) are breathing tests to assess how well your lungs are working. Lung function tests are carried out by respiratory physiologists. They aim to measure how well you can get air in and out of your lungs, how well oxygen gets from the lungs into the blood and the total size of your lungs.

How long does a lung function test take?

The lung function tests measure your lung size, airflow and how well your lungs are working. Generally, full lung function tests usually take about 45 minutes to complete and it includes a few different tests: Spirometry, Lung Volume (helium dilution) and Diffusion or Gas Transfer which are explained below. Why are Lung Function Tests performed?

What can I expect from a breathing & lung function test?

Breathing and lung function tests can help health care professionals to work out: if there is a problem, how severe it is. What can I expect from my breathing tests? Different people may need more or less complicated tests. Sometimes the tests need to be done only once to see what the problem is.

Why do you need a breathing and lung function test?

Breathing keeps us alive. It provides the oxygen that our bodies need and removes carbon dioxide, the waste gas that our cells produce as they use energy. If you have problems with your breathing, your health care professional may suggest taking one or more tests. What are breathing and lung function tests for? What do the tests involve?

Lung Function Testing References

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