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Pulmonary Function Laboratory

The Pulmonary Function Laboratory is located on the 1st floor of the hospital. Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) are breathing tests that can tell your doctor about how your lungs are working. They help to diagnose lung problems such as asthma or emphysema and tell how severe they are. You may need to repeat these tests over time because they may be used to monitor your status or treatment.

The tests are mostly just performing some breathing maneuvers such as blowing out as hard as you can or taking in a deep breath. The technologist will explain each test, answer your questions about each test, and instruct you on how to do each test.

Our Registered Pulmonary Function Technologists (RPFT) perform PFTs and procedures including:

• Spirometry
• Total Lung Capacity measurement
• Diffusing Capacity measurement
• Methacholine Challenge testing
• Exercise Challenge
• Oximetry
• Arterial blood gas collection
• Inhaled medication delivery and instruction

Spirometry:

Spirometry measures how well air flows from your lungs. It also measures how deep a breath you can take. The test involves taking a deep breath and blowing into a tube. The test is sometimes repeated after a breathing medicine.

Lung volume measurement (plethysmography):

Diffusing Capacity:

This test helps measure how well oxygen moves through your lungs into your body. It involves taking a deep breath and holding it in for a few seconds.

Methacholine Challenge:

Exercise Challenge:

This test is sometimes done to help to see if you might have exercise induced asthma. It usually involves exercising on a treadmill and then doing spirometry to see if airflow changes.

Oximetry:

This is a device that shines a red light on your finger and is able to give information about the oxygen level in your blood. The test may be done as a few second check while resting, monitored with walking, or done at home during sleep.

Arterial Blood Gas (ABG):

This is a blood test that gives information about your breathing and how your lungs are functioning.

Inhaled medication delivery and instruction:

Our expert technologists can answer most of your questions about inhaled medications and show you how to use them properly.

Cambridge Medical Center
701 South Dellwood Street
Cambridge, Minnesota 55008
763-689-7700
800-252-4133
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