Definition:  PFT is a procedure that measures the function of the lungs revealing problems in a way a patient breathes.  The test is a Flow Volume Loop which is performed with a computer called a Renaissance Spirometry System from Puritan/Bennett with a Pneumotach mouthpiece for the patient.

Purpose:  PFT’s can help a doctor diagnose a range of respiratory diseases, also measure how lung disease is progressing or to assess how a patient is responding to different treatments, or to measure how severely a lung maybe damaged. 

Procedure:  Patient is placed in a comfortable position either sitting or standing.  A clip is placed on the nose of the patient and asked to breathe through the pneumotach.  The patient will be coached through the entire testing process as to when to take a deep breath in and when to exhale as quickly and as forcefully as possible, this is all done through the pneumotach.  The test is usually done at least three times; more tests can be performed to get the best results for the patient.  The patient is then given an Albuterol nebulizer treatment if so ordered by the doctor.  Then the test is repeated at least three more times.

Contraindications: 

• Hemoptysis of unknown origin
• Pneumothorax
• Unstable cardiovascular status or recent myocardial infarction
• Pulmonary embolus
• Thoracic, abdominal or cerebral aneurysms
• Recent eye surgery
• Presence of an acute disease process that might interfere
• With the performance (nausea/vomiting)
• Recent surgery of thorax or abdomen