Pulmonary Functions Lab

Services/Procedures:

Certain procedures are performed by the pulmonologist or some tests require the availability of the physician, which will have an effect on when the appointment may be scheduled.

Complete Pulmonary Function Testing
         Painless test that measures lung function

         May take up to 2 hours

         You may need to withhold certain medication prior to testing

Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing
         Painless test that measures your exercise tolerance

         Takes approximately 1 ½ hours with both setup and recovery time included, the exercise portion
         typically take from 1 to 10 minutes

         Wear clothing appropriate for exercise such as sneakers and comfortable pants

         Most tests are done on an exercise bike

         Blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and heart rhythm are monitored throughout

         Your breathing may be measured during exercise with a mask or mouthpiece

         A physician will be present during testing

Arterial Blood Gas Analysis
         Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) A blood test taken from the artery (rather than the vein) which tells
         primarily how much oxygen is getting into your system, how much carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) is
         removed, the blood's acidity and several other important factors that help us know how the
         lungs are working.

Methacholine Challenge Testing
         Painless test to determine if you have asthma

         May take up to 2 hours for testing

         May require withholding certain medications prior to testing

         Basic lung function is measured at the beginning of the test

         This test is only offered in the morning due to physician availability

All testing requires a physician's order. The physician's office will call the Pulmonary Lab to schedule your appointment. If you have any questions about your testing or procedure you may call the Pulmonary
Lab at 663-2332.

The data collected during your test will be interpreted by a pulmonologist. The dictated report will be sent to the referring physician.

Bronchoscopy
         A Bronchoscopy is an examination in which a physician can view your larynx (voice box), trachea (windpipe), and bronchial tubes. It is performed to determine the presence and severity of any abnormalities in the airway, by a physician specially trained in the use of a bronchoscope

What is a bronchoscope?
A bronchoscope is a flexible, tubular instrument which allows a doctor to see inside your airways. It is attached to a light source, has magnifying lenses and a “steering mechanism” so that it can focus on a point in any direction. Biopsies (small sample of tissue) or brushings can be taken by passing a biopsy forceps or brush through a channel in the bronchosope.

Fluid may also be introduced through this channel to wash the lining of the airways. Secretions of fluid may also be removed through a suction channel.

Why do this procedure?
Reasons for this procedure include:
To determine the source of hemoptysis (coughing up blood).
To evaluate for cough.
To examine the airways for the presence of a foreign body or tumor and obtain biopsies if indicated.
To search for a source of infection in the lungs and to obtain appropriate specimen
To further clarify any abnormality seen on X-ray.

What preparation is necessary for this test?
You should not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the procedure except for medications as directed by your physician.

When you should arrive?
As an outpatient you should arrive at the admission registration desk 10 minutes prior to your appointment to accommodate the admissions process. You may receive a phone call from preregistration to register you in advance the day prior to your examination or you can call preregistration at 663-5663 to register in advance.
If you need to cancel your appointment, call your doctor. If there is any delay in the starting time you will be notified.

Before the procedure:
All outpatients will be directed to Surgical Daycare from admissions desk or transported there from your hospital room.  If you are an inpatient, you will be transported by stretcher to the pulmonary lab procedure room.  You will meet the nurses in the surgical daycare area who will admit you, then you will be transported via stretcher by the nurses from the pulmonary lab who will assist the physician and be with you throughout your procedure

Is this procedure painful?
There is usually no pain associated with this procedure.

How is this procedure done?
This procedure is performed with the patient lying down or sitting on a stretcher.  You will be given local anesthesia, additional medication to relax you will be given if needed to make you as comfortable as possible throughout your procedure.  The scope is inserted through your nose or mouth.  The physician will be assisted by one of the pulmonary lab nurses during the procedure with another professional staff monitoring your vital signs.  The procedure can last from 5 minutes to 1 hour depending on what the physician needs to do.  After the procedure you will be monitored by the pulmonary lab staff then sent to the Surgical Daycare annex to continue your recovery and will be discharged from that area.