Pulmonary function tests (PFT) primarily provide quantitative measures of airflow, lung volumes, and gas exchange. Additionally, PFTs can quantify response to bronchodilators (ie, reversibility of airflow limitation) and respiratory muscle function.
Basic pulmonary function tests available in the ambulatory setting include:
Spirometry
Pulse oximetry
Spirometry and pulse oximetry provide physiologic measures of pulmonary function and can be used to quickly narrow a differential diagnosis and suggest a subsequent strategy of additional testing or therapy. More complicated testing includes:
Measurement of lung volumes (plethysmography, nitrogen washout, helium dilution)
Measurement of lung, chest wall, and respiratory system compliance and resistance (maximal voluntary ventilation and respiratory pressures)
Bronchoprovocation challenge (exercise, methacholine challenge)(exercise, methacholine challenge)
Complete cardiopulmonary exercise testing
These tests provide a more detailed description of physiologic abnormalities and the likely underlying pathology. The choice and sequence of testing are guided by information taken from the history and physical examination.
More Information
The following English-language resources may be useful. Please note that The Manual is not responsible for the content of these resources.
Bhakta NR, McGowan A, Ramsey KA, et al. European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society technical statement: standardisation of the measurement of lung volumes, 2023 update. Eur Respir J. 2023; 12;62(4):2201519. doi: 10.1183/13993003.01519-2022
Culver BH, Graham BL, Coates AL, et al. Recommendations for a Standardized Pulmonary Function Report. An Official American Thoracic Society Technical Statement. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2017;196(11):1463-1472. doi: 10.1164/rccm.201710-1981ST
Graham BL, Brusasco V, Burgos F, et al. 2017 ERS/ATS standards for single-breath carbon monoxide uptake in the lung. Eur Respir J. 2017;49(1):1600016. doi: 10.1183/13993003.00016-2016
Graham BL, Steenbruggen I, Miller MR, et al. Standardization of Spirometry 2019 Update. An Official American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society Technical Statement. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2019;200(8):e70-e88. doi: 10.1164/rccm.201908-1590ST
Stanojevic S, Kaminsky DA, Miller MR, et al. ERS/ATS technical standard on interpretive strategies for routine lung function tests. Eur Respir J. 2022;60(1):2101499. doi: 10.1183/13993003.01499-2021
Drug Information for the Topic
