Outpatient Pulmonary Function Testing
Because breathing should not be a chore…

For some people, breathing is not a simple process; for many, this natural act involves wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and other uncontrollable responses. With proper diagnosis, however, these uncomfortable reactions can be managed. For this reason, North Fulton Regional Hospital offers Outpatient Pulmonary Function Testing.

Uses
This non-invasive, diagnostic test is used to diagnose various restrictive and obstructive pulmonary diseases and measures responsiveness to bronchodilators.

A valuable screening tool for lung function, a pulmonary function test is also particularly useful as a preoperative screening measure. Those with lung difficulties may have trouble coming out of anesthesia. Knowing that a patient has these lung difficulties allows the medical team to prepare, resulting in greater, more personalized patient care.

Symptoms to Indicate Potential Need for a PFT

• History of disease, such as asthma or COPD
• History of smoking
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing

If your patient is admitted as an inpatient to the hospital and you are trying to decide if you want to order a complete PFT, we offer a screening spirometer as an option. This test can get give a greater idea as to the need for a full PFT.

Making an Appointment
Patients must be referred by a physician in order to have a pulmonary function test. Talk to your physician if you experience any of the above symptoms that might indicate a need for a PFT.

A service of the Respiratory Department, Outpatient Pulmonary Function Testing is conducted in the Outpatient Rehabilitation suite of the Medical Office Building.

For more information on Outpatient Pulmonary Function Testing, please call our Respiratory Therapy Department at (770) 751-2667.