Pulmonary Function Tests

Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are a group of tests that measure how well your lungs are working. These tests measure lung volume capacity, rates of flow, and gas exchange. This includes how well you're able to breathe and how effectively your lungs can bring oxygen to the rest of your body.

PFTs may be used to check lung function before surgery or other procedures in patients who have lung or heart problems. Another use of PFTs is to assess treatment for asthma, emphysema, and other chronic lung problems.

Normal values of PFTs vary from person to person. The results of the amount of air inhaled and exhaled in the test are compared to the average results of people of the same age, height, sex, and race. Abnormal PFT results could be a sign of lung and airway disease, for which further confirmatory tests are also needed.