Your Guide to Pulmonary Testing
What is a pulmonary function test?
A pulmonary function test is a series of tests that measure your lung’s ability to meet your body’s needs. Each test measures one of the many jobs your lungs must perform. For each test we will ask you to breathe into our lung analyzer. We will instruct you to breathe in a certain pattern, sometimes deeply, sometimes quickly.
How long will the test take?
The test usually takes about one hour, sometimes a little more or less. You will have time to rest between efforts and tests
What will it feel like?
You will be seated throughout the test. You will place your lips around a special mouthpiece/flow sensor. You will be asked to breathe your largest breath, and your fastest breath. We will need your maximum effort to get the best measurement. The test is not uncomfortable or painful.
Who will perform the test?
A Respiratory Care Practitioner licensed by the State of California. Our therapists hold the additional credential of Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist.
Additional Information
Why do I have to repeat the tests?
There are many things that can affect the accuracy of a breathing test. The best way to confirm accuracy is to perform enough efforts to measure and verify your best effort. Usually the best measurements are obtained from the second or third try.
Tests
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Are there any special instructions?
1. Try not to take your inhaled breathing medications (nebulizer or inhaler) for 6 hours before your test. Your Doctor has asked us to give you a breathing treatment as a part of your test.
2. Please do not smoke for 2 hours before your test, smoking will interfere with several of our measurements. 3. Please don’t wear lipstick.