Pulmonary Function Lab

Pulmonary Function Lab

The Pulmonary Function Lab has served the Manchester community since 1977 under the medical direction of a doctor specializing in lung disorders.

Overview

The Pulmonary Function Lab staff provides diagnostic testing for the assessment of lung function in patients of all ages. The department is staffed by registered nurses and respiratory care practitioners, all credentialed in pulmonary function testing. The pre-registration department will call you to register you for your appointment. You may also call 603-663-5663 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday to pre-register.

Services

  • Measures multiple types of lung function to help diagnose lung disease, monitor disease progression, and response to therapy
  • Testing time is typically one hour or less
  • Testing is done seated, exercise is not required

  • Assesses exercise capacity and may indicate the cause of shortness of breath during exertion
  • Takes approximately one-and-a-half hours with both setup and recovery time included. The exercise portion of the test is typically eight to ten minutes.
  • Wear clothing appropriate for exercising, such as sneakers and comfortable pants.
  • Testing is performed on a stationary exercise bike.
  • Blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and heart rhythm are monitored throughout the test.
  • Your breathing may be measured during exercise with a mask or mouthpiece.

Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) A blood test drawn from an artery (rather than the vein) in the wrist or elbow that permits the direct measurement of blood oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations. An ABG provides a more accurate oxygen level than a pulse oximeter (finger clip sensor).

  • Specialized test to assess the probability of asthma
  • Testing time is typically one hour or less
  • Asthma medications must NOT be taken on the day of testing.
  • All testing requires a provider’s order. The provider’s office will call the Central Booking Department to schedule your appointment. If you have any questions about your testing or procedure, you may call the Pulmonary Lab at 603-663-2332.
  • A pulmonologist will interpret the data collected during your test. The dictated report will be sent to the referring provider.

A bronchoscopy is a procedure where a pulmonologist uses a bronchoscope to visualize the bronchial tubes.  Bronchoscopy allows the pulmonologist to inspect the airways to identify abnormalities and samples of cells and tissues can be collected to help diagnose and treat lung diseases. Patients receive anesthesia prior to the procedure to minimize discomfort.

When is a bronchoscopy necessary?

  • 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 a specimen.
  • To further clarify any abnormality seen on X-ray.

What preparation is necessary for this test?

A member of the pulmonary lab staff will call you with instructions which will include restrictions on eating/drinking on the day of the test. You will also be given instructions on when to arrive at the hospital.

How long does a bronchoscopy last?

The procedure can last from five minutes to one hour, depending on what the physician needs to do. After the procedure, you will be monitored by the pulmonary lab staff and then sent to the Surgical Daycare department for recovery and you will be discharged from that area.