Lung Function Tests

Pulmonary Function Tests

What To Think About

• Spirometry is the most commonly used lung function test.
• If your spirometry tests are normal but your doctor thinks you may have asthma, additional tests may be done after you inhale a substance (methacholine or histamine) that narrows (constricts) your airways. This is called a bronchoprovocation test. It may be done while you sit in a small enclosure (plethysmograph) similar to a telephone booth. The amount of narrowing in your airways can help diagnose some conditions. This testing may take as long as 2 hours.
• Arterial blood gases (ABGs), which determine the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your bloodstream, may be measured before, during, or after your lung function tests. For more information, see the medical test Arterial Blood Gases.
• Some lung function tests can be done at home. For more information, see the medical test Home Lung Function Test.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: July 3, 2007
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Robert L. Cowie, MB, FCP(SA), MD, MSc, MFOM - Pulmonology
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