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Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are a group of breathing tests that help doctors see how well your lungs are working.
Respiratory System
© 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
PFTs may be used to:
- Diagnose lung conditions or diseases, such as:
- Measure how much a lung problem is affecting you
- Evaluate symptoms such as coughing , wheezing, and trouble breathing
- Determine how well a treatment is working
- Evaluate your lung function before a surgery
- Review your medicines with your doctor. There may be some you should stop taking before testing.
- Do not eat, smoke, or exercise 4-8 hours before testing.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing.
Peak Flow Meter
© 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
The technician will explain how each test is done and how the PFT devices (eg, spirometer , peak flow meter ) work. You might sit in an enclosed booth. You may have to wear a nose clip. In some cases, one or more of these tests will be done during or immediately following exercise (on a treadmill or stationary bike). Tell the technician right away if you have breathing problems, pain, or dizziness during testing.
A technician will ask you to breathe in and out in different patterns and speeds into the PFT devices. You will rest between tests.
The PFT will measure things like:
- How much air you can blow out
- How much air your lungs can hold at different times
- How hard you are blowing air out
Additional tests that may be used in some situations include:
- Oxygen saturation test—A small probe is painlessly strapped or clipped to one of your fingers or toes. It measures the amount of oxygen being carried in the blood.
- Challenge tests—You are exposed to a specific chemical during the PFT, and the test measures if your breathing changes due to that chemical. This is only done in limited situations, under close and careful supervision.
Rest until you feel able to leave. You may be given a medicine if testing causes symptoms of a lung condition or disease (eg, wheezing, coughing, difficulty breathing).
20-45 minutes
The test does not hurt. You may experience symptoms of your lung condition or disease (eg, wheezing, coughing, difficulty breathing) during or immediately following testing.
RESOURCES:
American Lung Association
http://www.lungusa.org/
Family Doctor.org
http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home.html
References:
Birnbaum S, Barreiro TJ. Methacholine challenge testing: identifying its diagnostic role, testing, coding, and reimbursement (review). Chest . 2007;131(6):1932-1935.
Chang J, Mosenifar Z. Differentiating COPD from asthma in clinical practice. J Intensive Care Med . 2007;22(5):300-309.
Chu MW. Introduction to pulmonary function. Otolaryngol Clin North Am . 2008;41:387-396.
Crapo RO, Casaburi R, Coates AL, et al. Guidelines for methacholine and exercise challenge testing (1999). Am J Respir Crit Care Med . 2000;161:309.
Pulmonary function tests. National Library of Medicine, Medline Plus website. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003853.htm . Accessed October 16, 2007.
Walsh JM. Interpreting pulmonary function test. Loyola University Medical Education Network website. Available at: http://www.meddean.luc.edu/lumen/MedEd/medicine/pulmonar/fellow/exam2.htm . Accessed October 30, 2006.
Last reviewed July 2010 by Marcin Chwistek, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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