Pulmonary Function Testing

What is the Purpose?

Pulmonary function tests measure oxygen volumes and flows, and how well oxygen diffuses into the blood. The same test can be performed measuring metabolic capacities while a patient is at rest and with exercise.

What Pulmonary Function Tests are Available?

  • Spirometry
  • Lung volumes by plethysmography
  • Diffusion capacity
  • Exercise stress testing with gas exchange
  • ECG recordings
  • Asthma assessments include methacholine and exercise challenge
  • Metabolic testing by indirect calorimetry
  • Six minute walk sub-maximal exercise testing
  • Arterial blood gas test (blood test for oxygenation and ventilation)