Pulmonary Function Tests:  Used to detect the presence or absence of lung disease.

  - Spirometry:  See notes 1 and 2.
    This test takes 15 minutes to complete.

  - Spirometry & Diffusion (DLCO):  See notes 1 and 2.  Follow-up with patients on Cordorone.
    This test takes 30 minutes to complete.

  - Complete Pulmonary Function Test:  See notes 1 and 2.
    This test takes 1 hour to complete.

  - With Bronchodilators:  See notes 1 and 2.  Used to help determine airway obstruction and
    evaluation of alternative drug regimens.  This test takes 1 hour to complete.

Pulmonary Function Testing Instructions

Note 1:  All stress testing exams and pulmonary tests require the patient to be NPO for 2 hours prior to the test.  Patient should have no caffeine, decaffeinated, or tobacco products for 12 hours before the exam.  Patient should wear loose fitting clothes and no lotions or metal should be worn on the chest area.  Patient should be able to follow directions.

Note 2:  Pulmonary patients should withhold inhaled bronchodilators 4 hours prior to test unless in distress.  These tests are contraindicated for those with recent eye surgery, cerebral or large aortic aneurysms, untreated angina, arrhythmias, hypertension or allergies to Albuterol and/or bronchodilators.