Our Pulmonary Laboratory is equipped with modern facilities to serve the need for diagnosis or therapy of patients with acute and chronic pulmonary conditions. Our wide range of lung function testing and exercise tests assist physicians in diagnosing and managing patients with breathing problems or lung disease. From ultrasonic nebulizers to volume respirators, we attend to immediate needs and administer the right pulmonary function tests to spot disease as early and accurately as possible.
Advocating for healthy lungs and a healthy life, our Pulmonary Lab gets to the bottom of breathing-related symptoms and helps confirm the presence of disease. Our testing also assesses how our patients are responding to a variety of treatments. The section of the center for respiratory medicine is equipped with modern facilities to serve both diagnostic and therapeutic needs of patients with acute and chronic pulmonary disorders.
Our Services Offered:
Our Pulmonary Laboratory helps guide patients toward recovery. Our services include:
- Pulmonary function test (Pre/Post Bronchodilator) – bring together measurements of flow and volumes with gas analysis to determine how well the lungs work. These measurements of lung volume, capacities, flow rates and gas exchange.
- Maximal inspiratory pressure / Maximal expiratory pressure (MIP/MEP) – A test of total respiratory muscle strength, recording the pressure you generate while attempting to inhale or exhale. The pressure is correlated with the overall strength of the breathing muscles and may help assess possible respiratory muscle weakness.
- Airway resistance – For this test, you sit in a “booth” and breathe through a mouthpiece while pressure and airflow measurements are collected.
- Lung diffusion capacity (DIco) – Measures how well oxygen passes from your lungs to your bloodstream. During the test, the patient breathes in a type of gas through a tube, holds their breath briefly, and then blows out the gas.
- Lung volumes – Provide useful insight confirming the presence of restrictive lung disease, as suggested by a low vital capacity on a spirometry test.
- Sputum Induction - Sputum induction is a procedure used for patients who have trouble producing sputum spontaneously. The patient inhales nebulized hypertonic saline solution, which liquefies airway secretions, promoting coughing and allowing the expectoration of respiratory secretions.
- Chest Physiotherapy - Chest physical therapy (CPT or Chest PT) is an airway clearance technique (ACT) to drain the lungs. It may involve percussion (clapping), vibration, deep breathing, and huffing or coughing.
- Arterial blood gasses (ABG) – Measures the acidity and levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood from an artery. This test checks how well your lungs are able to move oxygen into the blood and remove carbon dioxide from it.
- Chest Physiotherapy – to loosen and aid in the removal of lung secretions and to promote re-expansion of lung tissue.
- Mechanical Ventilator - A Mechanical Ventilator is an apparatus that helps you breathe or breathes for you when you can't breathe on your own. Our staff are trained to monitor and maintain these instruments.
- High Flow Nasal Caninula - High Flow Nasal Cannula provides medical gases at a higher flow rate and with more predictable FiO2 than with other devices.
- BIPAP/CPAP Machine - CPAP provides constant air pressure, while BiPAP offers two pressure settings. BiPAP machines can automatically switch between an inhalation pressure and a lower exhalation pressure. A sleep specialist will recommend the right PAP therapy for you based on your sleep study results and individual needs.
- Incentive Spirometer - An incentive spirometer is like an exercise machine for your lungs. It helps you maintain your lung strength, or helps your lungs get stronger after an injury or illness.
- Peak Flow Meter - A portable, inexpensive, hand-held device that measures your ability to push air out of your lungs.
