Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) are a group of tests that measure how well your lungs take in and release air and how well they move gases such as oxygen from the environment into the body's circulation. Types of PFTs - Spirometry: measures lung function, specifically the amount and speed of air that can be inhaled and exhaled - Lung volume measurements: measures the amount of air in the lungs - Gas diffusion tests: measures the ability of the lungs to transfer gases from the air into the bloodstream What are PFTs Used For? PFTs are used to: - Diagnose lung diseases: such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pulmonary fibrosis - Monitor lung health: in patients with known lung conditions - Evaluate lung function: before surgery or other medical procedures Benefits of PFTs - Accurate diagnosis: PFTs provide valuable information about lung function and help diagnose lung diseases - Monitoring lung health: PFTs help track changes in lung function over time and monitor the effectiveness of treatment - Non-invasive and painless: most PFTs are non-invasive and painless What to Expect During a PFT - Preparation: you may be asked to avoid certain medications or activities before the test - Test procedure: you will be asked to breathe into a machine that measures lung function - Duration: the test typically takes 30-60 minutes