To detect the individual who is at greatest risk of progressing to clinical airflow obstruction as well as the person who already has mild or more severe impairment of function.

Indications: Pulmonary Function Testing is indicated in the following:

1. Determination of the degree and nature of impairment.
2. To characterize impairment as restrictive, obstructive, mixed obstructive / restrictive or upper airway obstruction.
3. To determine the degree of impairment for assessment of disability and prognosis.
4. To follow the course of disease and evaluate the effect of therapy.
5. Pre-operative evaluation, especially in:
• smoker;
• patients with respiratory symptoms;
• obese patients;
• patients over 65 years;
• patients undergoing thoracic and most upper abdominal surgery.
6. In smokers and persons around dusts and fumes in the work place to observe the change over time.
7. To differentiate between heart and lung disease in patients with shortness of breath.
8. To look for evidence of bronchial hyperactivity, for example in the clinical setting of atypical asthma presenting with a cough and in an occupational setting where there is a question of asthma.
9. Determination of the role of bronchospasm in producing symptoms by challenge with exercise or inhaled Methacholine.

Scheduling: PFTs are scheduled Monday through Friday between the hour of 8:00 am and 3:00 PM.

Patient Preparation:

• Semi-fasting i.e. light meal 3 hours before testing
• Hold bronchodilator 3 to 6 hours before testing or as directed by his/her physician
• Patient should be rested with minimal exertion or excitement prior to testing
• Patient clothing should be loose and lightweight