Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)

Book your PFT test today from Trusted Diagnostic Lab in Delhi. Pulmonary Function Test evaluates the function of the lungs. Pulmonary function test also called as Lung Function Test. You can Book PFT test online, this test measures how much air a person can breathe in and out of your lungs, as well as check the capacity of an individual how easily and fast they can breathe in or out. 

What is the PFT Test?

Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) is a group of tests that evaluate the function of the lungs. These tests measure the capacity of lungs to absorb oxygen into your blood and how exercise affects our lungs. PFT is a non-invasive and safe procedure. 

PFT tests also measure the capacity of lungs, volume, rate of flow, and gas exchange. The PFT tests enable doctors to prepare an effective and customised treatment plan for various kinds of lung disorders and illnesses. These tests can easily detect a variety of lung disorders with a different set of symptoms.

Types of Pulmonary Function Tests

Pulmonary function tests are of 8 types.

• Spirometry: Spirometry measures the quantity of air inhaled and exhaled. It also evaluates how quickly the lungs push the air out.
• Body plethysmography/ Lung volumes: This test measures the amount of air  in the lungs at different points of inhalation and exhalation. For this test, to measure the amount of air in the lungs, you require to take a deep breath.
• Lung diffusion capacity/ Gas diffusion Capacity: This test is used to evaluate how thoroughly the air goes from your lungs and into the bloodstream. 
• Bronchial provocation test: This test is performed specifically to diagnose problems like asthma and its severity. It checks the airways to determine how narrow they get during an asthma attack.
• Cardiopulmonary exercise stress test: This is a dual-purpose lung test that evaluates the strength of the lungs as well as the heart. It is usually recommended for people with heart diseases or lung’s related issues.
• Pulse oximetry test: This blood test is conducted to measure the level of oxygen in the blood
• Arterial blood gas test: This blood test is performed to check the level of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body.
• Fractional exhaled nitric oxide test: The nitric oxide levels in the body can lead to rising because of a variety of asthmatic conditions. This test is performed to measure the amount of nitric oxide gas present in the exhaled breath.

Why is it Done?

PFT test is done to detect the ling or airway symptoms like cough or shortness of breath, or patients who are undergoing surgery or use tobacco products like smoking. The symptoms are:

• Chest tightness, pain or pressure
• Coughing,with or without phlegm
• Difficulty in breathing
• Dyspnea
• Wheezing

PFT helps the doctor to detect the following conditions:

1. To detect the narrowing in your lung’s airways
2. Detect the changes in your lungs 
3. Measures the effect of smoking and chronic pulmonary disease(COPD)
4. lung cancer
5. Sarcoidosis
6. Scleroderma
7. Asthma 
8. Pulmonary fibrosis
9. allergies
10. Lung infection

What is the Procedure for Pulmonary Function Test?

Every PFT test is performed to assess various factors, Hence the procedure for every test is different.

Spirometry:

Initially, a medical professional will attach soft clips to your nose. The nose clips make sure that your mouth, not your nose, is used for breathing.

A mouthpiece that fits your lips around and is connected to a spirometer will be used. After that, the healthcare provider will instruct you on how to breathe in and out.

You might inhale and exhale deeply. Another option is to inhale deeply and exhale as quickly and forcefully as you can.

Study of gas diffusion:

Your medical professional will attach your nose clips.

After you seal your lips around the mouthpiece, a medical professional will instruct you on how to inhale and exhale a small, safe dose of carbon monoxide.

The spirometer tracks the amount of carbon monoxide you exhale as you breathe. This measurement shows how much of the gas entered your lungs.

Test of Cardiopulmonary Exercise:

You will be hooked up to devices by a medical professional that monitor blood pressure, oxygen levels, and heart rate. Next, you'll either ride a stationary bicycle or walk on a treadmill.

During the test, the machines will measure a number of different aspects of your muscles, lungs, and heart

How Does One Prepare for the Test?

1. Before the procedure, you need to empty your bladder.
2. You will sit in a chair and a soft clip will be put on your nose so that all of your breathing is done through your mouth.
3. A sterile mouthpiece will be given to you and that is attached to a spirometer.
4. To inhale and exhale in different ways, multiple techniques will be used.
5. After certain tests, you may be given a bronchodilator and the tests will then be repeated several minutes later after the bronchodilator has taken effect.

After Care

No care is required. But in asthmatic patients it may trigger asthma or may cause asthma attacks. PFTs have the extremely rare potential to induce lung collapse. There will be medical experts available to assist in the event that difficulties arise following the test.

What is the Cost of a Pulmonary Function Test in Delhi?

The average price for Pulmonary Function Test is seen to differ from one center to another. The price range is said to be between INR 1000 to INR 6000 in Delhi, India.