Our Services / Pulmonary Function Tests

What are pulmonary function tests?

Pulmonary function tests measure different variables of your lung function and breathing. At Arizona Chest & Sleep Medicine, the team uses the in-house MiniBox™ pulmonary function testing system to assess your lung function with precision. 

Spirometry involves breathing into a mouthpiece connected to a machine via a tube according to the team’s instructions. The machine takes measurements as you breathe, and the device is easy to use. 

The team at Arizona Chest & Sleep Medicine uses pulmonary function tests to measure lung function as a way of making diagnoses, evaluating the success of treatments, and preparing for surgery. The tests are simple, safe, and noninvasive. 

What do pulmonary function tests measure?

Pulmonary function tests measure multiple parameters of lung function. The normal values of each parameter vary based on your age, height, gender, and other personal details. The team at Arizona Chest & Sleep Medicine also compares your measurements to any pulmonary function tests you’ve had in the past.

Your pulmonary function test measures:

• Tidal volume: The amount of air you inhale and exhale while breathing normally
• Minute volume: The amount of air you exhale in one minute
• Vital capacity: The amount of air you exhale after inhaling as hard as you can
• Functional residual capacity: The amount of air left in your lungs after exhaling normally 
• Residual volume: The amount of air left in your lungs after you exhale the most you can
• Total lung capacity: The volume of your lungs after inhaling as much as possible
• Forced vital capacity (FVC): The amount of air you exhale forcefully and quickly
• Forced expiratory volume: The amount of air exhaled at certain points of FVC
• Forced expiratory flow: The rate of airflow during FVC
• Peak expiratory flow rate: The fastest rate you can expel air from your lungs

If the team detects any unusual measurements during your pulmonary function test, or if your results have changed since the last test, they recommend further testing. 

What do pulmonary function tests help diagnose?

Pulmonary function tests evaluate many lung and airway disorders and diseases. The team might recommend the test initially if you arrive at Arizona Chest & Sleep Medicine with concerning symptoms like shortness of breath or wheezing. The test can diagnose or evaluate:

• Allergies
• Asthma
• Respiratory infections (e.g. Covid-19, pneumonia)
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Sarcoidosis
• Scleroderma
• Breathing problems from a recent injury

As soon as your results are available, the team reviews them with you and tells you what they mean for the future of your treatment. After a pulmonary function test, they may update your treatment plan to suit your needs better. 

If you experience breathing problems, call Arizona Chest & Sleep Medicine to determine if you need pulmonary function testing today. You can also schedule an appointment online.