What is Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)
The PFT measures the patient's lung capacity and ability to move oxygen into the blood. It is a very important test to evaluate for common lung conditions such as asthma, emphysema or COPD.
Many surgeions require a PFT as a preoperative test to determine if the patient is medically able to tolerate a major surgery.
The PFT is done in three parts. It will take around 45 to 50 minutes to complete the breathing test.
First part is called Spirometry, in which, you have to breath via a mouthpiece connected to PFT machine. It will record the rate of air that you breath in and out over period of time.
Second part is called Lung Volumes. It is measured with helium gas or nitrogen gas.
Third part is called Diffusion capacity. It measures how quickly gas can travel from lungs into blood.
Preparation for test: Do not eat heavy meal prior to test. Do not smoke 6 hours before the test. Do not use inhalers or nebulizer four hours prior to the test.
