Pulmonary Function Lab Services at Harbin Clinic
Description
The Pulmonary Function Lab at the Harbin Clinic offers comprehensive pulmonary function testing. The lab utilizes the Collins GS platform that measures vital capacity by spirometric volumne, diffusion capacity with 3G Realtime Response Analyzer and lung volumes by plethysmography. The lab also offers Arterial Blood Gas analysis, MDI/Aerosol therapy, Six Minute Walk, overnight pulse oximetry studies. A Registered Respiratory Therapist staffs the lab. A Harbin Clinic Pulmonologist interprets all studies and results are faxed to the ordering physician, usually within 24 hours.
Services Provided
- SPIROMETRY WITH AND WITHOUT BRONCHODILATORS- Spirometry is one of the most common tests ordered in the PFT lab. During the test, the patient is asked to take a maximal breath in and then exhales as fast as possible (this measures the force vital capacity, FVC). Volumes and flows are measured with this test and allow the physician to identify the presence of obstructive or restrictive lung disease. Spirometry may also be used to measure a patient's pulmonary function improvement with a bronchodilator. Following baseline spirometry, a bronchodilator is given; then the spirometry is repeated. If there is a 12% or greater increase in the FEV1, the patient is considered to have reversible obstructive disease. All bronchodilators should not be held at least 4-8 hours prior to testing.
- DIFFUSION CAPACITY (DLCO)- The diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide measures the surface area of the lung available to gas exchange. The DLCO is one of the key tests in the assessment of pulmonary function. This is a window on pulmonary microcirculation. In cases of obstruction, this helps to distinguish asthma from bronchiectasis and both from emphysema. In volume loss without airflow obstruction, the DLCO will tend to be preserved in extrapulmonary restriction, but it will be low in intrapulmonary alveolar and vascular disease. During the test, when breathing through a mouthpiece, the patient is asked to fully exhale and inhale to total lung capacity and hold his/her breath for 10 seconds and then exhale. Refrain from strenuous exercise and smoking for 24 hours prior to testing. Meals should be light and eaten at least 2 hours prior to test time.
- LUNG VOLUME DETERMINATION-PLETHYSMOGRAPHY- Body plethysmography is used to measure the total thoracic volume, thus it is useful in determinating ventilated areas of the lung from areas of the lung where air is trapped. Lung volume measurement is useful in identifying restrictive physiology, hyperinflation, air trapping and in monitoring response to therapy. During the test, the patient sits inside a "box" about the size of a telephone booth, and while breathing through a mouthpiece, is asked to perform a few simple breathing maneuvers.
- METHACHOLINE CHALLENGE- Methacholine challenge testing is used to identify patients with airways prone to bronchconstriction. It is used most commonly on patients with chronic cough or shortness of breath who have normal spirometry and lung volumes. After performing spirometry, the patient is given an aerosol of Methacholine until a final dose is given or the FEV1 decreases 20%. A test is considered positive if there is a 20% reduction in FEV1. A positive test is suggestive of hyper-reactive airways disease and is often used to support a diagnosis of asthma when other tests are normal. As with spirometry, all bronchodilators should be held 4-8 hours prior to testing time.
- ARTERIAL BLOOD GASSES- Arterial blood gas sampling allows a direct measurement of oxygen tension, alveolar ventilation, as reflected by PCO2, and acid-base balance.
- SIX MINUTE WALK- The 6-Minute self-paced walk test is the method used to trend exercise tolerance and evaluate surgical outcomes. The patient is asked to walk the known distance of a corridor for six minutes, the distance walked and saturation is noted, as well as any inspired gas that is used.
- NOCTURNAL DESATURATION STUDIES- Overnight pulse oximetry allows the physician to determine if a patient suffers from nocturnal oxygen desaturation. The patient sleeps with a pulse oximeter probe attached to their finger and their oxygen saturation and heart rate are recorded. The information is downloaded the next morning. The study is then interpreted by a pulmonologist and the report is sent to the ordering physician.
Location
Harbin Clinic Pulmonary Medicine
1825Martha Berry Blvd.
Rome, GA 30165
Office Hours
8 a.m - 5 p.m.(Monday-Friday)
To Schedule an Appointment
Call (706) 236-6378 or (888)HARBIN1 and ask for the Pulmonary FunctionLab.
