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Pulmonary function testing (PFT) is a complete evaluation of the respiratory system including patient history, physical examinations, and tests of pulmonary function. The primary purpose of pulmonary function testing is to identify the severity of pulmonary impairment. [ 1 ]
Spirometry (meaning the measuring of breath) is the most common of the pulmonary function tests (PFTs). It measures lung function, specifically the amount (volume) and/or speed (flow) of air that can be inhaled and exhaled.
This test involves measuring the partial pressure difference between inspired and expired carbon monoxide. It relies on the strong affinity and large absorption capacity of red blood cells for carbon monoxide and thus demonstrates gas uptake by the capillaries that are less dependent on cardiac output . [ 3 ]
Diffusing capacity of the lung (D L) (also known as transfer factor) measures the transfer of gas from air in the lung, to the red blood cells in lung blood vessels. It is part of a comprehensive series of pulmonary function tests to determine the overall ability of the lung to transport gas into and out of the blood.
Clinical trials have looked at whether tailoring asthma therapy based on eNO values is better than conventional care, in which therapy is gauged by symptoms and the results of lung function tests. [8] [9] [10] To date, the results in both adults and children have been modest and this technique can not be universally recommended.
Impulse oscillometry (IOS), also known as respiratory oscillometry, forced oscillatory technique (FOT), or just oscillometry, is a non-invasive lung function test that measures the mechanical properties of the respiratory system, particularly the upper and intrathoracic airways, lung tissue and chest wall, usually during the patient's tidal breathing (the way someone breathes when they are ...
Bear in mind, however, that this number does not apply to children, and that it can differ depending on the patient's native result; small patient's with pulmonary fibrosis, restrictive lung disease etc. will have a measurably lower FEV1 than healthy average-sized adults. This can give a false positive result of the test.
The amount of He in the spirometer is known at the beginning of the test (concentration × volume = amount). The patient is then asked to breathe (normal breaths) in the mixture starting from FRC (functional residual capacity), which is the gas volume in the lung after a normal breath out. The spirometer measures helium concentration.
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