Pulmonary function tests are a group of tests done to evaluate the function of your lungs. These tests measure how much air moves through your lungs and how easily it moves.

The purpose of pulmonary function tests is:

• To help your doctor diagnose lung disease.
• To monitor how your lung disease may change over time.
• To help determine what treatments might help you.
• To evaluate if your lungs might have difficulty under general anethesia during surgery.

To prepare for the test:

• Do not smoke for 4-6 hours before the test.
• Eat only a small meal. A large meal can decrease your ability to take deep breaths.
• Make sure you understand your doctor’s instructions regarding your normal breathing medicines. Depending on what is being tested, your doctor may ask you to use your inhaler or other medication during the evaluation.

During the test:

• Pulmonary function tests are done in a specially equipped testing laboratory.
• A technician with advanced training and certification will give you specific instructions, such as to blow air out as fast as you can or breath normally.
• You may repeat the same test several times to ensure that measurements are accurate and consistent.
• A nose clip may be placed on your nose so that you breathe through your mouth.
• You may feel tired or short of breath. If this happens, you will be given rest periods.
• You may have a blood sample taken to measure the oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood.

After the test:

• You may want to rest if you feel tired.
• The results are reported to your doctor.
• Your doctor will discuss the test results with you.
  
  

Six Minute Walk Test

Purpose of the six minute walk

The six-minute walk test is used as a basic functional evaluation of patients with chronic lung disease and is most often used for assessing home oxygen needs.

What can I expect?

The test will be performed on a flat surface. The tester will walk behind the client.  The patient will be encouraged to walk as much distance as they can for six minutes. Talking is discouraged. The individual may rest as necessary.

Heart rate, exertion, breathing and other parameters will be evaluated at the initiation of the test, then at three and six minutes.