Clin Lab: Pulm Testing Flashcards
What are PFT?
series of measurements related to lung volumes, rate of airflow, & gas exchange
Indications of PFT
- symptoms of lung dz/dx of lung dz
- screening
- assess tx efficacy
-pre-op evaluation of lung function - monitoring for med SE
Contraindications for PFT.
- active or recent resp infx
- recent surgery
- recent or current heart issues
- known aneurysms in chest, abdomen, brain
Tidal volume (TV)
total volume of air inhaled/exhaled in one normal breath
Minute volume
tidal volume x # breaths/minute
IRV
volume that can be forcefully inhaled after normal tidal inspiration
IC
TV + IRV
ERV
volume that can be forcefully exhaled after normal tidal expiration
RV
volume of air left in lungs after all possible air exhaled
FRC
ERV + RV
Slow vital capacity
VC measured w/ slower, prolonged exhale
VC
total volume of air that can be exhaled after a maximum inspiration
Forced vital capacity
VC measured w/ forceful exhalation
TLC
VC + RV
List the 3 Forced vital capacities & describe?
- forced expiratory volume/time (FEV1, FEV2 etc): volume exhaled forcefully during a particular time period
- forced expiratory flow (FEF): rate of flow during FEV25% & FEV75%)
- Peak expiratory flow rate (PFER): maximum rate of flow during forceful exhalation
Types of pulmonary disorders
Obstructive, Restrictive, Pulmonary vasculature, breathing mechanics, neurologic control
Obstructive disorders are issues with
the airway & air flow issues
examples of fixed obstruction in upper airways
masses, mucus plug
Examples of variable Extrathoracic obstructions
- sleep apnea
- vocal cord issues
Examples of variable intrathoracic obstruction
- COPD
- asthma
Two categories of cause for restrictive pulm disorders
- loss of compliance/elasticity
- anatomical restrictions
Pulm disorders: pulm vasculature causes
- chronic PE
- chronic PHTN
Pulm disorders: breathing mechanics causes
- diaphragm/intercostals
Pulm disorders: Neurological control causes
- muscular dystrophy
- stroke
Measurements on specialized PFTs
- ABG
- Exercise oximetry “road test”
- 6-min walk test
- Peak flow
- Max inspiratory & expiratory pressure
What percentage of O2 will qualify a patient for home O2?
<88%
Spirometry procedure
- TV measured 3-5 times
- Forced exhalation for >6 secs measured 3 times
- Bronchodilator challenge (if done)
(BD inhaled; forced exhalations repeated to assess change
Usually, albuterol)
What other special test can be done? (spirometry slide)
- used when we suspect asthma*
- bronchoprovocation (methacoline/allergen,exercise)
- exercise testing
Results are based on predicted values for…
age, height, race, gender
On flow-volume loop, above the x-axis is…
exhalation
On flow-volume loop, below the x-axis is…
inhalation
What two things are being compared to the normal flow-volume loop?
shape & peak expiratory flow
What two things are being observed on the volume/time curve?
- where is the plateau?
- how long did it take to reach it?
Draw the spirometry volume/time chart
DONE
Draw flow-volume loops
DONE
GOLD criteria has a FEV1/FVC ratio of? Who is it used for?
70%
- middle-aged pts to assess COPD severity
ATS criteria has a FEV1/FVC ratio of? Who is it used for?
> 85%
- > 18yo
Low FEV1/FVC ratio & normal FVC is indicative of what?
Obstructive lung dz
How do you assess a bronchodilator test for obstructive lung dz?
- Ratio has >12% incr and FVC has >200 mL increase–> asthma (reversible)
- only one of the above criteria met–> COPD or bronchiectasis (irreversible)
Low FEV1/FVC ratio & low FVC is indicative of what?
Mixed disorder
How do you assess a bronchodilator test for a mixed disorder?
- FVC increases to >LLN–> obstruction w/ air trapping (emphysema)
- FVC does not increase to >LLN
mixed disorder
Possible methods for lung measurents.
- helium
- N2 washout
- body plethysmography
- radiographic measurements
When looking at lung volumes, what will restrictive patterns show.
low TLC confirms (the entire box is smaller)
What is DLCO?
measures capacity of diffusion across the alveolar-capillary membrane
Should CO normally be present in air/blood
No, & it has a very high affinity for Hgb
Causes for decreased DLCO
- interstitial lung dz
- emphysema
- PHTN
- Anemia
Causes for normal DLCO
- NM disorders affection resp system
- chronic bronchitis
- asthma
Study Slide 35 (full chart) 10 mins
DONE
What is A1AT?
inactivates enzyme that breaks down collagen
Deficiency of AAT leads to…
- early onset emphysema
- childhood cirrhosis
What is CF?
genetic disorder causing impaired Cl- transporter in cell membranes resulting in thick mucous
What test can be done to check for CF?
Cl- sweat test