PFT Goals
- Detect restrictive lung defects (reduced lung volumes)
- Detect obstructive lung defects (reduced airflows)
- Detect gas transfer abnormalities (diffusion)
- Detect respiratory muscle weakness
Basic and Commonly Performed PFT
- Vital Capacity: Measures the largest volume of air that can be moved into or out of the lungs and is
related to the standing height of the patient.
Maximal Voluntary Ventilation (MVV)
- Definition: Can be used to assess physiological demands or a patient's ability to exercise and peak
ventilation capacity.
- Largest volume of air that a patient can move in and out in 12-15 seconds.
PFT Predicted Values Based on:
- Age
- Gender (biological sex)
- Height (standing/sitting)
- Race or ethnic origin
- Weight or body surface area
, Pre-Test Guidelines
- Withhold bronchodilator 4-6 hours prior to pre/post bronchodilator studies during PFT testing.
- Stop smoking 1 hour before the test.
- Stop smoking 24 hours before the DLCO test.
- Do not consume alcohol 4 hours before the test.
- Stop vigorous exercise immediately or within 2 hours before the test.
- Light meal and water only 1 hour before the test.
Indications for Spirometry
1. Preoperative evaluation for pneumonectomy
2. Measurement of exercise capacity
3. Determination of the beneficial effects of a bronchodilator
4. Measurement of the effects of working in a dusty environment
Approved indications include options 1, 3, and 4.
Measurement of Lung Volumes
- Measurement of total lung capacity (TLC) is indicated to diagnose restrictive lung disease.
Clinical Vignettes