Pulmonary Diagnostic Lab

 

The determination of pulmonary function and assessment of the degree of impairment present are essential components of the clinical evaluation in any patient who complains of respiratory symptoms. Conditions suitable for referral to the Pulmonary Diagnostic Lab include:

  • COPD
  • Presurgical evaluation
  • Dyspnea on exertion
  • Chronic cough
  • Screening for occupational hazards

Our diagnostic testing includes:

Bedside spirometry

This is designed for in-patients who are unable or too unstable to transport to the lab. It includes:

  • Forced expiratory volume
  • Forced vital capacity with graph of expiratory flow
  • Peak expiratory flows
  • Maximum inspiratory pressure
  • Maximum expiratory pressure

Arterial Blood Gases

This monitors acid/base balance.

Complete Pulmonary Function Testing

This involves more detail in spirometry tracing, usually with pre and post bronchodialator testing.

Nitrogen Washout

This determines lung volume by "washing" the lungs (breathing 100% oxygen) for up to seven minutes. It determines the end-expiratory nitrogen concentration.

Diffusion

This test measures the resistance to diffusion of gasses across the alveolocapillary membrane. It is also known as the DLCO test.

Metabolic Testing

This testing provides metabolic measurements using indirect calorimetry for determination of oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, respiratory quotient and resting energy expenditure as an aid to patient nutritional assessment and management, assessment of weaning success and outcome.

Methylcholine Challenge/Bronchial Provocation

This measures the airway to inhaled chemical mediators acting as an irritant. It is clinically used to measure response of bronchial reactivity.

Pulmonary Stress Testing

This testing provides an objective assessment of exercise and related symptoms. The test includes:

  • Dyspnea muscle weakness/leg discomfort
  • Chest pain
  • Identification of factors limiting exercise
  • Exercise induced bronchoconstriction
  • Measurement of maximal exercise capacity
  • Fitness in athletes
  • Prediction of post-thoracotomy complications
  • Progressive values for Cystic Fibrosis patients
  • Prediction of work capacity impairment

This page last updated on September 30, 2005

Top | Programs & Services | Home | Search