Pulmonary function testing (PFT) refers to a group of tests that measure how well your lungs are performing. Pulmonary function tests are often done to diagnose certain types of lung disease such as bronchitis, asthma or emphysema. However, there are other reasons that someone may suggest a PFT. If you are looking for pulmonary function testing near you, but don’t know what to expect, FastMed can help.
Pulmonary Function Testing Near Me: How Should I Prepare? How is the Test Performed? Why Would I need a PFT?
How should I prepare for my Pulmonary function test?
- Avoid smoking for at least 4 hours before the test.
- Eat light
- If you are on inhaler medications, your healthcare provider should give you specific instructions regarding whether or not you should stop use before the PFT.
How are PFTs performed?
- Through spirometry, which measures airflow and can evaluate a range of lung diseases by recording the rate of air you breathe in and out.
- Through Lung volume measurement, which often requires a patient to sit in a sealed area that actually resembles a phone booth while breathing into a mouthpiece that measures lung volume.
- To measure diffusion capacity, they may have you breathe in a tracer gas for one short breath to estimate how well your lungs move oxygen from the air into the bloodstream.
Why would I need a PFT?
Besides diagnosing specific lung diseases, ia PFT may be suggested to find the cause of shortness of breath, measure whether exposure to certain chemicals affect lung function (especially in people who are exposed to chemicals as part of their job), or to monitor lung function before surgery.
If you are looking for pulmonary function testing near you, FastMed Urgent Care offers PFTs and other occupational health services. Open 7 days a week, FastMed is committed to being available when you need us. Check out our FastMed Office Finder to find a FastMed near you!
About FastMed
FastMed is a leading provider of high-quality, convenient, affordable, and compassionate healthcare in 34 counties across North Carolina. FastMed serves both urban and rural communities across the state with a wide range of care options, including preventive, telemedicine, occupational health, and primary and urgent care. FastMed is one of the few urgent care providers in the nation that has earned The Joint Commission’s coveted Gold Seal of Approval® for quality, safety, and infection control in ambulatory healthcare. For more information, visit www.fastmed.com.