A Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) is a simple, non-invasive breathing test that gives us a clear picture of your lung health. It measures how well air moves in and out of your lungs and how effectively oxygen gets into your blood. At Premier Lung & Sleep Institute, we perform PFTs on-site for your convenience, ensuring a smooth and efficient diagnostic process.

Request an Appointment

What is a PFT?

A PFT is a series of tests that may include:

  • Spirometry: Measures how much air you can exhale and how quickly. This helps diagnose conditions like asthma and COPD.
  • Lung Volumes: Measures how much air your lungs can hold. This can help identify restrictive lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis.
  • Diffusing Capacity (DLCO): Measures how well oxygen passes from your lungs into your bloodstream.

Why Is a PFT Performed?

PFTs are essential for:

  • Diagnosing lung conditions such as asthma, COPD, emphysema, or interstitial lung disease (ILD).
  • Monitoring the progression of a known lung disease.
  • Guiding treatment plans and assessing your response to medication.
  • Evaluating lung health before a surgical procedure.

How to Prepare

For the most accurate results, please wear loose clothing. Avoid a heavy meal right before the test. You may also be instructed to temporarily hold certain inhaler medications on the day of your test. The test typically takes about 30–45 minutes.

What to Expect

A trained technician will guide you through the process, coaching you on how to breathe into a mouthpiece. The test is non-invasive, though you may feel slightly light-headed from the deep breaths. Your results will be reviewed with you to help you understand your lung health.