Pulmonary function testing: Difference between revisions

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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 performed by a [[Pulmonary scientist]] who typically holdholds credentialing as a [[Registered Pulmonary Function Technician]], a [[Certified Pulmonary Function Technician]] or a [[Registered Respiratory Therapist]].

==Indications==