At SHIFAA PAN African Hospitals, we offer comprehensive pulmonary function tests (PFTs) to assess lung function and diagnose respiratory conditions. Our state-of-the-art facilities and experienced respiratory therapists ensure accurate testing and personalized care for patients with various pulmonary disorders.

Procedure:

• Spirometry: Spirometry is a common PFT that measures how much air you can inhale, how much you can exhale, and how quickly you can exhale. During spirometry, you’ll be asked to take a deep breath and then exhale forcefully into a mouthpiece connected to a spirometer device. This test helps evaluate lung function and diagnose conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and restrictive lung diseases.
• Lung Volume Measurements: Lung volume measurements assess the amount of air in your lungs and how well you can move air in and out. This includes tests such as plethysmography and gas dilution techniques, which provide information about lung capacity, residual volume, and total lung capacity. These tests help differentiate between obstructive and restrictive lung diseases and monitor disease progression.
• Diffusion Capacity Testing: Diffusion capacity testing measures how well oxygen moves from the lungs into the bloodstream. During this test, you’ll inhale a small amount of a harmless gas, such as carbon monoxide or helium, and then exhale. The concentration of gas in the exhaled breath is analyzed to determine how effectively oxygen is transferred across the alveolar-capillary membrane. This test helps diagnose conditions affecting gas exchange, such as pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema.

Benefits:

• Diagnostic Accuracy: PFTs provide valuable information about lung function, helping healthcare providers diagnose respiratory conditions, assess disease severity, and monitor treatment response.
• Personalized Treatment: By evaluating lung function parameters, PFTs help tailor treatment plans to individual patients, optimizing therapeutic outcomes and improving quality of life.
• Disease Monitoring: Regular PFTs enable healthcare providers to track changes in lung function over time, identify disease progression or exacerbations, and adjust treatment strategies accordingly.
• Risk Assessment: PFTs help assess the risk of perioperative complications in patients undergoing surgery, guide preoperative optimization, and enhance perioperative management decisions.

 

What can PFTs diagnose?

PFTs can diagnose a wide range of respiratory conditions, including asthma, COPD, restrictive lung diseases, pulmonary fibrosis, and emphysema.

 

Are PFTs safe?

Yes, PFTs are safe and non-invasive tests that pose minimal risk to patients. However, some individuals may experience temporary dizziness or shortness of breath during the tests.

 

How long does a PFT take?

The duration of PFTs varies depending on the specific tests performed and the patient’s cooperation. Generally, spirometry takes about 15-30 minutes, while more comprehensive tests may take up to an hour.

 

Do I need to prepare for PFTs?

Your healthcare provider will provide instructions on how to prepare for PFTs, which may include avoiding certain medications, abstaining from smoking, and fasting before the test. It’s essential to follow these instructions to ensure accurate results.

 

Can children undergo PFTs?

Yes, PFTs can be performed on children, although the testing procedures may need to be modified based on age and cooperation level. Pediatric respiratory therapists are trained to conduct PFTs in children and ensure their comfort and safety during the tests.