Spirometry, also known as a Pulmonary Function Test (or PFT), is a common test used to help diagnose asthma and COPD. This noninvasive breathing test measures how quickly you can move air in and out of your lungs and how much air is moved. This simple test helps a doctor decide whether airflow is decreased because of inflammation in the bronchial tubes and whether the tubes can return to their usual size in a short time after using medicine.
 

Spirometry measures airflow over time. It provides two numeric values that are helpful in the assessment and monitoring of patients with impaired lung function.

          Forced Vital Capacity (FVC): total amount of air that can be exhaled following as deep 
                    an inhalation as possible

          Forced Expiratory Volume measured over one second (FEV1): the flow of air during the 
                    first second of the Forced Vital Capacity

          FEV1/FVC: the proportion of air in a person’s lungs that can be blown out in one second

The person being tested is asked to take in a full breath and then seal his or her lips around the mouthpiece of the spirometer. The person will then have to blow out as hard and fast as possible for at least six seconds, which is the approximate time it takes for normal lungs to empty. This routine will be repeated at least three times to ensure that the test is done correctly and provides accurate results. Spirometry is an effort-dependent test and some patients may become tired, but this is to be expected.

Patient Prep Requirements:
•    No Proventil, Albuterol, Alupent, Combivent or Maxair 12 hours prior to testing
•    No Serevent, Advair, Symbicort or Prednisone 24 hours prior to testing
•    No smoking 12 hours prior to testing