Pulmonary Function Lab - Testing Indications
Some suggested indications for Pulmonary Function Testing:
- To aide in the evaluation of shortness of breath or cough.
- Pre-op evaluation of selected patients.
- Before Thoracic or Open Heart Surgery.
- Serial evaluations of COPD or other chronic lung diseases.
- Respiratory symptoms associated with chest wall/musculoskeletal diseases (including Scoliosis or trauma).
- After toxic exposures.
- Monitor damage due to tobacco usage.
- Occupational related lung evaluations.
- Monitor progression of deteriorating neurological disease.
- To help evaluate abnormal CXR or CT scan reports.
- Monitoring the toxic effects of some medications.
Our staff can help if there are any questions as to whether testing is indicated and how frequently monitoring should be done. Generally, screening evaluations as part of an annual physical examination in otherwise healthy, nonsmoking patients are not recommended.