Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) is a procedure used to determine lung function for the purpose of:

• Diagnosis of new lung disease
• Clearance for planned surgeries
• Assessing status of existing lung disease
• Assessing effects of medical treatment on lung function

Pulmonary Function Testing involves a series of breathing maneuvers performed by a Registered Respiratory Therapist while seated in a booth, using a mouthpiece (a small cardboard tube) to collect breaths. A nose clip is used to prevent air from escaping through the nose. Usually, seven tests are performed and a bronchodilator (inhaler) is given at approximately the halfway point of the test to determine if there is improvement with the medication. The testing requires approximately 1 hour to complete.

Because a bronchodilator is given as part of the test, it is important for the patient to hold all breathing treatments and inhalers prior to the test. These include:

Medication	Hold for:
Albuterol, ProAir, Proventil, Ventolin, Maxair, Xopenex, Combivent, Atrovent	4 hours
Advair, Symbicort, Foradil, Serevent	12 hours
Spiriva	24 hours

Pulmonary Function Tests are performed at our office located in the Sycamore Medical Center Physician Office Building, 4000 Miamisburg-Centerville, Miamisburg, OH 45342, Suite 450. Tests are scheduled on an hourly basis (8 am, 9 am, 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm and 4 pm). Tests are typically ordered following an appointment with one of our pulmonologists, but we can schedule testing as ordered by your primary care physician as well. A detailed report with color graphs will be provided to your primary care physician and a copy will be retained in your permanent chart at our office.