Pulmonary Function Lab
You are in the best of hands with our professional staff of certified technicians
and technologists. They will do all that they can to make your brief time
with us as comfortable as possible. Please feel free to ask them any questions
you may have regarding your pulmonary function studies.
What are Pulmonary Function Tests?
Pulmonary Function Tests are diagnostic tests used to measure how well
the lungs are functioning, including the rate of air flow and the volume
of air exhaled. These assessments are also used to detect the presence
of respiratory disease.
Pulmonary Function tests may include:
- Spirometry measures the volume and / or flow of air you inhale or exhale
over a specific period of time.
- Lung Volume assessments are used to measure the volume of gas within the
lungs, and help your doctor diagnose restrictive lung disease. With patients
who have severe airway obstruction these measurements identify the volume
of air that remains trapped in the lungs.
- Diffusing Capacity (DLCO) measures the rate at which a gas diffuses across
the alveolar-capillary membrane in the lungs.
- Arterial Blood Gas is a test used to check how well your lungs are able
to move oxygen into the blood and remove carbon dioxide from the blood.
The Frederick Health Pulmonary Function Laboratory's professional staff
provide a warm and welcoming environment that is relaxing for adults and
reassuring for pediatric patients. All tests are conducted using the latest
equipment with the assistance of our certified technicians. Results are
interpreted by our Board Certified Pulmonologist.
Pediatric Pulmonary Function Tests
The Frederick Health Pulmonary Function Laboratory offers a full range
of pediatric diagnostic pulmonary tests for children between the ages
of 5-17. All result interpretations are done by a Board Certified Pediatric
Pulmonologist.
Services include:
- Spirometry
- Spirometry after bronchodilators
- Flow volume loop
- Lung volumes by Plethysmography
- Airway resistance (Raw)
- Single Breath Diffusing Capacity (DLCO)
- Arterial Blood Gases
- Pulse oximetry
- Maximal inspiratory / expiratory pressures (MIP / MEP)
Children must be able to follow and execute commands provided by the pulmonary
technologist. Children who are too young, or those with behavioral or
developmental problems may have difficulty with these tests.
To accommodate working parents and parents who do not wish to take their
children out of school, evening hours are available upon request.
Adult Pulmonary Function Tests
Comprehensive diagnostic testing is available for adults 18 years and older.
In addition to all of the tests listed above, adult patients are offered
the following studies:
- Methacholine Challenge Test
- Metabolic Stress Test
- Six Minute Walk Test
Preparing for Your Pulmonary Function Tests
- Avoid smoking the day of testing
- Do not use inhaled bronchodilators for four to six hours prior to testing
- Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing
- Avoid heavy meals prior to testing
Depending upon the kind of tests your physician has ordered, additional
instructions may be given to you when you schedule your appointment.
Please bring your physician's order and an up-to-date list of all medications
including the name, dosage, frequency taken, route taken and physician
prescribing.
To schedule your Pulmonary Function Test, call 240-566-3400.
If you have questions about your Pulmonary Function Test, call 240-566-3836.
The Frederick Health Pulmonary Function Laboratory is located on the first
floor of the hospital in the Cardiopulmonary Department.