Service in
Pulmonology

Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT)

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Overview

M Heath Fairview has a wide network of PFT labs throughout the state of Minnesota. We aim to provide patients with timely and appropriate care while also taking the time to coach patients through each maneuver with empathy and respect. Patients can expect to feel encouraged and welcome at any lab they visit within the M Health Fairview system.

Our approach

Patients may undergo pulmonary function testing for many reasons. Pulmonary function testing can be used to diagnose and monitor lung diseases. Pulmonary function testing is a broad term that can describe a battery of tests that help providers determine patient disease progression.

Pulmonary Function Tests

  • Spirometry:
    • Measures your ability to move air in and out of your lungs under pressure.
  • Plethysmography (Lung volumes): 
    • Measures the amount of air in your lungs at various phases in the breath cycle (inhalation and exhalation)
  • Diffusion:
    • Measures the amount of gases (oxygen, carbon dioxide, etc.) exchanged between your lungs and your blood over the course of a set period of time.
  • Bronchial dilation study: 
    • This study is done if your va
    • Your response to a bronchial dilator such as albuterol is going to be evaluated
  • Patient will be coached through a series of breathing maneuvers to obtain information regarding their lung function

6 Minute Walk Test

  • This is a stress test that will give your doctor information about the functional capacity of your lungs and heart.
  • During a six minute walk test, you will be asked to walk up and down a hallway with a pulse oximeter for 6 minutes while a technician monitors your heart rate and oxygen levels.

Pentamidine

  • This is an inhaled treatment prescribed by your doctor for a variety of conditions.
  • You will be have your vital signs taken pre treatment, be administered a bronchodilator then wait 15 minutes before starting treatment.
  • You will receive pentamidine via nebulizer over the course of 15-20 minutes under the supervision of a technician and a pulmonologist.
  • Vital signs will be taken again post treatment.

Arterial Blood Gas (ABG)

  • ABG is a blood draw from the radial artery.
  • The information your doctor will receive with help them determine the amount of oxygen that is being diffused into the blood from the lungs

Sputum Induction

  • During a sputum induction, you will be administered inhaled medication to induce coughing to help you produce Phlegm. This is done under the supervision of a pulmonary function specialist.