Pulmonary Function Test:

Pulmonary Function Test is to measure the proper functioning of your lungs and detect any difficulty in your breathing pattern. The test is also done in case you are exposed to a toxic environment or you are about to undergo any surgery.

Why have I been asked to get a Pulmonary Function test done?

Pulmonary Function test is performed:

• To detect lung cancer

• To detect asthma or any other blockage

• To detect lung infections 

• To detect any lymph nodes, density of the lung walls or any other respiratory problem

How can I prepare for the scan? 

• Doctors might ask you to  stop taking certain medicines like asthma, bronchitis or pain medications.

• Have a very light meal before the test

• Do not consume coffee, chocolate and tea before the test. This can result in inaccurate diagnosis

• You should not smoke or exercise an hour before the test

• Wear comfortable clothing and avoid jewellery or any other metal on the body.

Names of Previous reports/scans required?

• Please inform the doctor beforehand in case you recently had a heart attack, surgery or any lung infection. The scan is not performed in any of the given circumstances.

• Please get all the reports and CD of the relevant medical history required to perform the scan

How long is the procedure for?

• Total time – 1 hr 

• Test time- 10-15 mins

Can I walk in for a PFT without prior appointment?

•  Yes  (Confirm by calling on 8869906990 before arriving at the centre)

How is PFT performed?

There are three types of test involved in a PFT:

Spirometry:

• In this test you are supposed to breathe in a machine through a tube which will measure your respiratory functions

• The test is performed twice, once without giving any medicine and the other time with the help of medicine that will help open your air pipe

• The tube, through which you breathe in the machine, will be kept tightly in your mouth so that the air does not escape from any corner

• The nose is clipped shut for the air to not escape through them

• Both the tests will be measured to see the difference in the breathing pattern

• While performing the test you are supposed to breathe very quickly

Plethysmography test:

• A Plethysmography test measures the capacity of your lungs to hold in the air once you breathe in

• In this test you will be kept in a confined space and will be asked to breathe in and out through a mouthpiece

• Your nostrils will be clamped shut to avoid any escape of air breathed in

• The doctors then measures the capacity taking in consideration the confined space

Diffusion capacity test

• The same process will be followed as in the other two tests. The only difference is when you inhale the oxygen through a mouthpiece in this test, a small and safe portion of carbon monoxide will be given.

• This will help determine the passing of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood