A Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure that provides objective measurements of lung volume, capacity, rates of airflow, and the efficiency of gas exchange. By having a patient breathe into a specialized device, typically a spirometer, the PFT helps physicians diagnose and monitor various lung disorders like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Understanding where these tests are administered and the steps required to access them is the first step toward managing your respiratory health.
Types of Facilities That Offer PFTs
Pulmonary Function Tests are conducted in medical environments that house specialized respiratory equipment and trained staff. The most common location is a hospital’s outpatient laboratory or its Respiratory Therapy Department. These hospital labs often feature a full range of testing capabilities, including advanced procedures like body plethysmography, and are staffed by credentialed respiratory therapists.
Specialized pulmonary clinics routinely offer PFTs. These clinics, frequently run by pulmonologists, provide expertise in interpreting complex results and integrating them into a comprehensive treatment plan. For patients with established lung conditions, these specialized centers may offer the most focused care.
Larger multi-specialty medical groups sometimes maintain smaller pulmonary function labs within their clinic buildings. While these clinics often offer basic spirometry, they might refer patients requiring more complex tests, such as diffusion capacity measurements, to a hospital-based lab. When scheduling, verify the facility’s specific testing capabilities to ensure they can perform the exact tests ordered by your physician.
Navigating the Referral and Scheduling Process
Securing a PFT appointment almost always begins with obtaining a formal order or referral from a licensed physician. This order specifies the exact tests needed, such as spirometry with or without a bronchodilator, and is typically written by your Primary Care Physician (PCP) or a Pulmonologist. The referral acts as the mandatory medical authorization for the testing facility.
Once the referral is generated, the testing facility verifies your insurance coverage and secures pre-authorization if required. This process is crucial because many specialized diagnostic tests are not covered without prior approval, which can result in unexpected costs. Proactively contact both your insurance provider and the testing facility to confirm all financial and authorization requirements are met before the appointment date.
Scheduling the appointment requires contacting the facility’s dedicated scheduling office, often by phone or through an online patient portal. You must provide the scheduling staff with the physician’s referral form, usually by fax or electronic submission, along with your demographic and insurance information. Wait times for an appointment can vary due to the specialized nature of the equipment and staffing, so complete the scheduling logistics as soon as the referral is issued.
Preparing for Your Pulmonary Function Test
Accurate PFT results rely on patient cooperation and preparation. A primary concern is medication management, as you will likely be instructed to temporarily stop certain inhaled respiratory medications, particularly bronchodilators, for a specified period. This hold time is generally six hours for short-acting inhalers and up to 12 to 36 hours for long-acting medications, but you must follow the precise instructions given by the ordering physician.
On the day of the test, several lifestyle restrictions are necessary to avoid influencing lung function. Patients are advised to avoid consuming caffeine for at least four hours before the test because it can slightly dilate the airways. Similarly, you should not smoke for at least four to eight hours prior and should refrain from vigorous exercise, which can temporarily alter baseline lung performance.
Avoid eating a heavy meal within two hours of the test, as a full stomach can restrict the movement of the diaphragm and impact your ability to take a maximal breath. During the PFT, a trained respiratory therapist will guide you through breathing forcefully into a mouthpiece while wearing a nose clip. Following all instructions precisely is necessary to ensure the best possible effort and accurate diagnostic data.