Pulmonary Diagnostics

Pulmonary Diagnostics offers a wide range of testing lung function to better evaluate and care for various cardiopulmonary disorders. With information obtained from diagnostic testing, the physician can develop a treatment plan to assist in keeping breathing under control or to evaluate the need for further testing. A physician may order one or more of the following pulmonary function tests available at Saints Medical Center:

Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)
The PFT is performed by breathing into a mouthpiece connected to a spirometer to record the amount and rate of air that is measured after a forced exhalation. Testing is usually done before and after a metered dose inhaler to assess the effect. The information gathered is useful in diagnosing certain types of lung disorders, but is most useful when assessing for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Pulmonary Services also includes patient education on metered dose inhalers and the use of home peak flow monitoring for asthma patients.

Complete Pulmonary Function Test
This test includes a PFT with Lung Volumes and Diffusion Testing. Lung volumes are measured when a person breathes helium gas through a tube for a period of time. Diffusion capacity is measured when a person breathes carbon monoxide for one breath. The difference in the amount inhaled and exhaled allows estimation of how efficiently the lungs are transferring oxygen from the air into the bloodstream. The information gives a more definitive diagnosis for such conditions as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and interstitial lung disease.

Methacholine Challenge Test (MIC)
The MIC is performed by inhaling methacholine in increasing doses in an attempt to produce a change in the pulmonary function test results. If the methacholine causes the results to change, patients will be given a metered dose inhaler treatment that will reverse the action of the methacholine. The information helps to determine the presence of asthma.

Pulse Oximetry (SpO2)
This test measures the level of oxygen in the blood at rest and after exercise. A sensor is placed on the finger to help approximate the oxygen level in the blood.

Arterial Blood Gas (ABG)
The ABG is an essential test used in diagnosing and monitoring patients with lung disorders. The test is performed on arterial blood (vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the body) because this provides the most direct information about lung function. Using a small needle, the sample may be collected from a small artery in the wrist.

Outpatient testing at Saints needs to be scheduled in advance, with the exception of arterial blood gases and patient education services, which are handled as walk-ins.

For more information about Pulmonary Diagnostics, please call 978-934-8235. Pulmonary Diagnostics is open Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm.