At Citiwide Mobile Testing, we offer our patients with a wide range of testing methods, one of the most important being PFT otherwise known as Pulmonary Function Testing or sometimes even Pulmonary Lung Function Testing. Pulmonary Function Testing is actually a group of vital respiratory testing methods that are designed to measure how well your lungs are functioning – including how well you are able to breathe, the overall effectiveness of your lungs and how well they are able to bring oxygen to the rest of your body.

Why Pulmonary Function Testing? As we mentioned, PFT’s are very important, especially in today’s world where respiratory viruses and other illnesses are quite prevalent. With or without a physician’s recommendation, such respiratory tests can be performed in cases, such as:

• If you are exhibiting symptoms of poor lung function.
• In order to assess your lung function prior to having any type of surgery (moderate to major) or procedure.
• To monitor the performance of your lungs if you suffer from certain chronic respiratory issues such as asthma or COPD – otherwise known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
If you have been exposed to certain substances in the environment – at home or at work.

What Can PFT Diagnose? In addition to the reasons above, Pulmonary Function Testing is also used to help doctors diagnose a number of different respiratory conditions such as:

• Allergy issues that affect the lungs.
• Asthma
• Chronic or Acute Bronchitis
• Respiratory Infections
• Lung Fibrosis
• Bronchiectasis – A condition in which the airways in the lungs stretch and widen.
• COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (formerly emphysema).
• Asbestosis – A condition caused by the exposure to asbestos.
• Sarcoidosis – Inflammation of the lungs, liver, lymph nodes, skin and other tissue.
• Scleroderma – Connective tissue damage.
• Lung Cancer
• Weakness in the walls of the chest muscles.
• Other pulmonary issues, such as a tumor.

Prior to Testing For those patients who might be prescribed medication in order to treat respiratory issues like asthma or chronic bronchitis, you may have to stop taking them prior to your test – be sure to consult with the Citiwide team or your physician beforehand. In addition, if you are currently taking any type of pain medications, these may also affect your results – so be sure to consult with Citiwide or your physicians about these as well. Also, make them aware of any other OTC or prescription medications you might be taking. For those patients who might have had any recent surgical procedures, it is important that you make sure you are fully healed before undergoing your test. Again, be sure to make your physician as well as the Citiwide team aware. Other things to avoid before your PFT include:

• Eating a large meal – can prevent the full expansion of your lungs.
• Foods or drinks that contain caffeine – coffee, tea, soda, chocolates, etc.
• Smoking at least 1 to 3 hours before the test.
• Any strenuous exercise the day of the test.
• Tight clothing that might restrict your breathing.
• Certain types of jewelry.
• The three types of Pulmonary Function Tests that we offer include Spirometry, Plethysmography, or the Diffusion Capacity Test. Learn more about them by clicking here.
• Also, for more information on any of our testing procedures, or to schedule testing for yourself, be sure to contact Citiwide Mobile Testing today.