Pulmonary function testing: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 07:30, 27 August 2011

Revision as of 07:31, 27 August 2011

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'''Pulmonary Function Testing''' ('''PFT''') is a complete evaluation of the respiratory system including patient history, physical examinations, chest x-ray examinations, arterial blood gas analysis, and tests of pulmonary function. The primary purpose of pulmonary function testing is to identify the severity of pulmonary impairment. <ref>Pulmonary terms and symbols: a report of the ACCP-ATS Joint Committee on Pulmonary Nomenclature, Chest 67:583, 1975</ref> Pulmonary function testing has diagnostic and therapeutic roles and helps clinicians answer some general questions about patients with lung disease. PFT's are usually performed by a [[Registered Pulmonary Function Technician]], a [[Certified Pulmonary Function Technician]] or a [[Registered Respiratory Therapist]].

==Spirometry==

{{Main|Spirometry}}

Spirometry includes the tests of pulmonary mechanics, the measurements of FVC, FEV<sub1sub>1</sub>, FEF values, forced inspiratory flow rates (FIFs), and the MVV. Measuring pulmonary mechanics is assessing the ability of the lungs to move large volumes of air quickly through the airways to identify airway obstruction.

===Complications===

Spirometry is a safe procedure however there is cause for concern regarding untoward reactions. The value of the test data should be weighed against potential hazards. Some complications have been reported such as; [[pneumothorax]], increased intracranial pressure, syncope, chest pain, paroxysmal coughing, [[nosocomial infection]]s, oxygen desaturation, and [[bronchospasm]].

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==Plethysmography==

{{Main|Plethysmograph}}

The plethysmography technique applies [[Boyle's law]] and uses measurements of volume and pressure changes to determine lung volume, assuming temperature is constant.<ref>Dubois AB, et al: A rapid plethysmographic method for measuring thoracic gas volume: a comparison with a nitrogen washout method for measure FRC in normal patients, J Clin Invest 35:322, 1956.</ref>