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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 ]
The basic forced volume vital capacity (FVC) test varies slightly depending on the equipment used. It can be in the form of either closed or open circuit. Regardless of differences in testing procedure providers are recommended to follow the ATS/ERS Standardisation of Spirometry. The standard procedure ensures an accurate and objectively ...
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 ]
A nitrogen washout can be performed with a single nitrogen breath, or multiple ones. Both tests use similar tools, both can estimate functional residual capacity and the degree of nonuniformity of gas distribution in the lungs, but the multiple-breath test more accurately measures absolute lung volumes. [1]
A spirometer is the main piece of equipment used for basic Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs). Lung diseases such as asthma , bronchitis , and emphysema may be ruled out from the tests. In addition, a spirometer often is used for finding the cause of shortness of breath, assessing the effect of contaminants on lung function, the effect of ...
The post bronchodilator test (Post BD), also commonly referred to as a reversibility test, is a test that utilizes spirometry to assess possible reversibility of bronchoconstriction in diseases such as asthma.
The first commercial FeNO testing device was developed in 1998 by the Swedish company Aerocrine AB, which is now a part of the NIOX Group of companies. [ 35 ] Today, NO is not only used in breath tests but also as a therapeutic agent for conditions such as pulmonary arterial hypertension and possibly for the acute respiratory distress syndrome .
Lung volumes. Functional residual capacity (FRC) is the volume of air present in the lungs at the end of passive expiration. [1] At FRC, the opposing elastic recoil forces of the lungs and chest wall are in equilibrium and there is no exertion by the diaphragm or other respiratory muscles.