Pulmonary Testing

Pulmonary testing can play an important role in diagnosing respiratory problems, determining appropriate treatment and monitoring progress. 

Your physician will determine the proper testing for you. Written physician orders are required for the following tests. Please bring a photo ID (driver’s license or state ID) and insurance card(s) with you to your procedure.

Ambulatory Oximetry (6-Minute Walk) 

By measuring oxygen levels while walking for six minutes in a hall, this test can determine your need for supplemental oxygen. This procedure requires an appointment.

Length of procedure: 30 minutes
Hours of operation: Monday - Wednesday, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

Patient instructions:

• Wear comfortable walking shoes

Arterial Blood Gas (ABG)

During this procedure, blood is taken from an artery in your wrist to test oxygen levels. It may be performed as part of a pulmonary function test or can be performed separately. 

Length of procedure: 30 minutes
Hours of operation: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)

This four-part exam tests for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other conditions that affect breathing; vital capacity; total lung capacity; and lung diffusion. Depending on the results you may need further testing with a bronchodilator, a drug that widens the air passages of the lungs and eases breathing.

Length of procedure: 1 hour
Patient instructions:

• Light eating allowed two hours prior to test
• No caffeine and/or decaffeinated products two hours prior to test
• No smoking two hours prior to test
• No bronchodilators after midnight

Methacholine Challenge (Asthma Challenge) or Bronchospasm Exam

This procedure checks for asthma. The patient inhales medication and is then administered a spirometry test to determine how the lungs react. 

Length of procedure: Two hours
Patient instructions:

• Light eating allowed two hours prior to test
• No caffeine or decaffeinated products after midnight
• No smoking two hours prior to test
• No bronchodilators after midnight
• No inhaled, nasal or oral steroids for 72 hours prior to test
• No Theophylline 24 hours prior to test
• No antihistamines, Spiriva or Singulair for 72 hours prior to test

Spirometry or flow volume loop

This procedure can be performed as part of a full pulmonary function test or to periodically check how well the lungs are functioning during treatment for chronic lung conditions. It also measures how much air you can inhale and exhale and how fast you exhale. 

Pentamidine Treatment

Using a nebulizer, this treatment supplies medication to prevent Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia, typically to patients with compromised immune systems. 

Lung Diffusing Testing (DLCO) 

This test measures how well the lungs exchange gases. It can be used to diagnose certain lung diseases and to monitor existing.

Vital Capacity 

As part of the full pulmonary function test, this determines the amount of air a patient can inhale and exhale. 

Max Voluntary Ventilation (MVV) 

This procedure measures the maximum amount of air that can be inhaled and exhaled in one minute and your lung muscle strength.

Oximetry 

Using a small medical device, this test checks the level of oxygen in your blood without having to draw blood