Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are non-invasive tests that show how well the lungs are working. This information is often used to diagnose and assess the severity of certain lung disorders. These tests can measure the flow rate of air in your airways, volume of your lungs and how well your lungs can carry gas into your blood stream.
Normal values for PFTs vary from person to person. Your test results will be compared to the average for someone of the same age, height, sex, and ethnicity. These tests are sometimes performed over different time periods. This allows your doctor to monitor your condition and the response to treatment you receive. Here at Sydney West Respiratory, we offer the following:
Please follow the link for further information on how to Prepare for Pulmonary Function Tests
Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are commonly performed as part of the diagnostic work up of symptoms like a chronic cough, breathlessness and chronic phlegm production. The test results are used to diagnose common respiratory disorders such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, interstitial lung disease or conditions that affect the chest wall and breathing muscles.
PFTs are also frequently used to assess the risk of potential lung complications before an invasive procedure or surgery and allow the optimisation of any undiagnosed lung condition.
PFTs are frequently used to assess the risk of potential complications before an invasive procedure such as bronchoscopies, lung biopsies, lung cancer surgeries or specialised procedures like lung volume reduction surgeries for emphysema. They are also commonly used to assess the response of treatment for conditions like asthma and to monitor the status of chronic respiratory disorders. Sometimes, PFTs can be used assess progress of treatment for asthma, as well as suitability of specialised treatments for emphysema (e.g. assessment for suitability of bronchoscopic lung volume reduction surgery).
Pulmonary function tests are sometimes performed in healthy people as part of a routine physical evaluation for certain occupations. These can include coal mine works or stonemasons.
Before you attend the test, you will be asked about your puffer medications. In some cases, you will need to temporarily stop your puffers for a certain period before your test. If you do not think you can withhold your puffers for the recommended period, please discuss with the staff or your doctor for further advice. If you have had a history of the below conditions, please inform the staff ahead of time, as a period of waiting time may need to be met prior to testing. Please see below section for preparing for pulmonary function tests.
You will be guided through every step of the test. All that is needed is for you to follow the instructions to the best of your ability. If you have difficulty understanding, you should inform our staff before the day of the test and an interpreter can be arranged to accompany you. You will be asked to blow into a tube with a nose peg on. You may be asked to do this a few times, to ensure the results are accurate and meet testing standards. You may subsequently be asked to sit in a clear, Perspex chamber and asked to do some panting manoeuvres. In some cases, your doctor will discuss with you about doing additional tests listed below:
