Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are noninvasive tests that evaluate lung function and can help your doctor diagnose certain lung disorders and decide the appropriate treatment. PFTs can also identify improvement or decline in your lungs to determine if a change in your current treatment is necessary.

All PFTs at Community Medical Centers are interpreted by board-certified pulmonologists. All of our staff are registered respiratory therapists, and most are also registered pulmonary function technologists.

Why would you need Pulmonary Function Testing?

There are a number of reasons why you might have PFTs done. They can be part of a routine physical. They are also used to evaluate occupational health hazards from professions related to agriculture, coal mines, poultry farms or the military.

PFTs can be ordered by your doctor to help them diagnose or evaluate a variety of medical conditions, including: 

• Chronic lung conditions such as asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis (a condition where the airways become abnormally thick and wide)

• Pre-surgery screening and post-surgery evaluation

• Upper airway obstruction

• Evaluation of heart or cancer medications’ effects on breathing

• Evaluation of non-surgical treatments and therapies for lung conditions

• Restrictive airway problems from scoliosis, tumors, or inflammation or scarring of the lungs

• Asbestosis (a lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers)

• Scleroderma (a disease that causes thickening and hardening of connective tissue)

• Weakness of breathing muscles due to neuromuscular conditions

• Trending of lung function for progressive diseases

What factors affect test accuracy?

To get an accurate test, you should wear loose, comfortable clothing to your appointment and be able to follow instructions during the test. Your full cooperation and participation is very important. We advise withholding taking certain pain medications that will make you sleepy during the test, and smoking or drinking alcohol for a period of time prior to testing. Detailed instructions will be provided to you, along with a list of respiratory medications to avoid before your test.
 
To ensure you and your doctor receive an accurate picture of how well your lungs are working, we use state-of-the-art equipment to measure functionality, and follow guidelines set by the American Thoracic Society (ATS). 
 
Our licensed respiratory therapists are patient-focused and rigorously trained to provide safe and quality testing procedures. We walk you through every step to get the most accurate results possible, making sure you’re comfortable with the care you receive.

More information

Your doctor will typically order a combination of the above tests to get a well-rounded picture of your lung function. If you have any questions, please call us at (559) 459-3947.