Pulmonary Function Testing

A Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) measures various volumes and capacities within a patient's lungs. This is accomplished by performing a series of different types of breathing maneuvers.

Before testing begins, you may be required to report to the AVH Laboratory for a blood draw. The draw allows the technician to obtain the hemoglobin level needed for one of the tests. At the start of testing, the complete medical history of the patient including smoking history, if any, symptoms, and current medications will be discussed. During testing, you are instructed as to how to perform the different maneuvers and is then coached, as necessary. Certain results may require a breathing treatment and then a final round of testing to determine how effective the treatment was.

Your test will be performed by one of four Registered Respiratory Therapists, all of which are Certified Pulmonary Function Technologists.

The information gathered from this testing better enables the patient's doctor to diagnose a condition and prescribe appropriate treatment.

PFTs are routinely conducted at AVH. For more information, please call 603-326-5847.