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PFT- LUNG FUNCTION TEST- SPIROMETRY

What is Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)

It is the measure of how much lung inhale and exhale air, lung capacity and ability to move oxygen into blood.  It is very important test to eveluate for common lung condition like asthma, emphysema or COPD and other various lung condition. It is also an important test for preoperative lung function eveluation prior to major surgery in person with various lung condition.

Test is done in three parts. It will total take around 45 to 50 minutes for complete breathing test.

First part is called Spirometry, in which, you have to breath via mouthpiece connected to PFT machine. It will record the rate of air that you breath in and out over period of time.

Second part is called Lung Volumes. It is measured with helium gas or nitrogen gas.

Third part is called Diffusion capacity. It measures how quickly gas can travel from lungs into blood.

Preparation for test:

Do not eat heavy meal prior to test. Do not smoke 6 hrs before the test. Do not use inhalars, nebulizer few hours prior to test.