Pulmonary Function testing

What is a pulmonary function test?

A PFT might involve one or several tests of your lungs including: spirometry; lung volumes; diffusion testing; and oxygen saturation measurement by oximetry or blood gas sampling. These tests help to determine how well your lungs are functioning. Most involve blowing into a tube with your nose plugged.

What are the benefits of having a PFT?

PFTs can help diagnose several respiratory conditions, including:

• Asthma
• Allergies
• Chronic bronchitis
• Respiratory infections
• Lung fibrosis
• Bronchiectasis, a condition in which the airways in the lungs stretch and widen
• COPD, which used to be called emphysema
• Asbestosis, a condition caused by exposure to asbestos
• Sarcoidosis, an inflammation of your lungs, liver, lymph nodes, eyes, skin, or other tissues
• Scleroderma, a disease that affects your connective tissue
• Pulmonary tumor
• Lung cancer
• Weaknesses of the chest wall muscles

What are the risks of a PFT?

PFTs are safe and non-invasive. A needle is only required if your doctor has requested for blood gases to be drawn. If you are being tested, you must be able to follow clear, simple directions. During the test you may experience some dizziness, shortness of breath or coughing.

If you have had recent eye (please allow six weeks after your post-surgery), chest, abdominal surgery, or a recent heart attack, you will likely need to delay the test until you have fully recovered.

Can I have a PFT if I am pregnant or breastfeeding? 

You can have a PFT, however you can’t have a methacholine challenge test.

How do I prepare for a PFT?

You will receive a reminder notification a few days before your scheduled appointment. Please be sure to confirm or cancel your appointment through our automated system.

Your arrival time will vary depending on your appointment type. You will be advised on what time you should arrive by the patient scheduling office when your appointment is booked.  

Before you come in for your testing, please do the following:

• Bring your valid health card.
• Follow any preparation instructions provided at the point of scheduling.
• You can eat before this test, but we do not recommend that you have a large meal.
• Wear loose-fitted, comfortable clothing.
• Bring a list of all your medications, including any over-the-counter medications or supplements that you are taking.

How long does a pulmonary function test take?

Depending on the type of test you have, it may take between 30 - 60 minutes.

What is an exercise oximetry test?

An exercise oximetry test is a non-invasive (without a needle) technique in which an estimate of the amount of oxygen in your blood is obtained. A resting oxygen level will be measured and then you will be asked to walk at your normal pace to determine how the oxygen in your blood responds when there is an increased level of activity. 

Does the test hurt?

The test doesn’t hurt. A small clip will be placed on your finger and a band on your wrist. This will measure your saturation and your pulse.

Why did my doctor order this test?

There are different reasons why your doctor may order this test, some of which include:

• You may have been experiencing shortness of breath.
• You can no longer walk very far without having to stop and catch your breath.
• To help determine if in-home oxygen therapy is needed.
• To re-qualify for your home oxygen therapy.

How do I prepare for an oximetry test?

You can prepare for your oximetry test by wearing comfortable shoes, and bringing any walking aides you normally use, like a cane or walker.

What is a Methacholine challenge test?

A Methacholine challenge test helps to determine if you have asthma, and its severity.  The test involves blowing into a mouthpiece with your nose plugged to measure your airflow. These measurements are taken at baseline and after inhaling small and slowly increasing doses of a drug called Methacholine.

Methacholine is a drug that mimics a substance that is released by our bodies during an allergic reaction called histamine. If your airways react to the methacholine, your airflow will slowly decrease. The test is stopped if a specific decrease level is reached.

To prepare for this test: 

• Wear loose fitting clothing.
• You can eat before the test but avoid a large meal.
• We recommend no coffee, tea, caffeinated drinks or chocolate on the day of your test. Please also refrain from smoking on the day of your test.
• There is a list of medications/puffers to avoid prior to your test. Please confirm with your referring doctor what those medications are, and when to stop taking them before your test.
• If you are sick, please call the patient scheduling office at 905-883-1212 ext. 2004 to re-schedule your appointment.
• Bring a complete list of your medications, puffers and allergies.

How long will the test take?

The test takes approximately one hour. At the end of inhaling the levels of methacholine, we will give you Salbutamol (Ventolin) to reverse any effects. After a brief rest, we will redo part of the test to ensure your breathing has returned to normal and that you are feeling well before the test is complete.

Referring a patient

A completed pulmonary function requisition form must be completed by a physician for patients to be referred for a PFT at Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital. 

Please ensure the requisition form includes the referring physician’s information and signature, patient information and patient’s clinical history.

What do I do when I arrive at the hospital?

Patients may park in the visitors parking lot located just north of the hospital, and enter through the D-wing near the emergency department. Read more about our parking services.

Please allow yourself extra time during peak hours, as finding parking can take longer than expected. If possible, consider taking public transit, or getting dropped off by a family member or friend.

Check in at patient registration located in C-Wing level two (between the C-wing, main lobby and D-wing emergency department entrance), using one of our self-serve kiosks.

Map to Patient Registration:

How do I reschedule my appointment?

You can cancel your appointments online using MyChart. To reschedule, call our patient scheduling office at 905-883-1212 ext. 2004 from Richmond Hill or 905-832-4554 ext. 2004 from Vaughan. Please provide at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment.

Test results will typically be sent to your referring physician within five (5) business days. If you are registered to MyChart, you can access the text portion of your pulmonary function report under MyChart’s Test Results section.

Images of your PFT test are available upon request when you call 905-883-1212 ext. 2200 from Richmond Hill or 905-883-1212 ext. 2200 from Vaughan and will be provided on a CD for $10. The health information services department will advise you of when your CD and report can be picked up at Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital, B-wing, Level 1, room 1926. Health information services is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

If you would like to pick up a CD on behalf of another person, please bring an authorizing letter signed by that individual.