Pulmonary Function Laboratory
The Lung Center at Mercy offers a full range of services for patients with lung disorders including an on-site pulmonary function laboratory. The pulmonary function laboratory is utilized by Mercy’s lung doctors in performing a variety of pulmonary function tests to help diagnose and manage a variety of lung disorders.
About our Pulmonary Function Laboratory
The pulmonary function laboratory is an important component of our program. The tests administered in the laboratory can be used to diagnose, manage and treat lung disorders. Mercy’s specialists may perform pulmonary function tests for the following reasons:
- Determine lung function
- Assist with diagnosis of a lung disorder
- Assess the progression of lung disease
- Detect lung disorders in early stages
Purpose of Pulmonary Function Laboratory
A lung specialist, also known as a pulmonologist, may administer tests in a pulmonary function laboratory to help support a diagnosis or check the progression of a lung disorder. The test results may aid in diagnosing a new lung disorder at an early stage or determining the status of an existing lung disorder or its responsiveness to treatment.
Pulmonary function tests may be used to better evaluate common symptoms of lung conditions including:
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Cough
- Pulmonary function tests may be performed to assess the status of common lung diseases including:
- Asthma
- COPD
- Chronic bronchitis
- Interstitial lung disease
- Neuromuscular lung disease
- Occupational lung disease
Tests Performed at the Pulmonary Function Laboratory
Our pulmonary function laboratory provides the following tests for patients:
- Spirometry
- Lung diffusion capacity
- Lung volumes
- Arterial blood gases
- Pulse oximetry
- Maximal inspiratory pressure
- Exercise challenge test
- Airway resistance