Physiology and Anatomy Flashcards
1
Q
What is transfer factor?
A
Describes the rate at which a gas will diffuse from alveoli into blood, CO is used to test the rate of diffusion
Results may be given as the total gas transfer (TLCO) or that corrected for lung volume (transfer coefficient, KCO)
2
Q
What increases TLCO?
A
Asthma
Pulmonary haemorrhage (Wegener’s, Goodpasture’s)
Left-to-right cardiac shunts
Polycythaemia
Hyperkinetic states
Male gender
Exercise
3
Q
What decreases TLCO?
A
Pulmonary fibrosis
Pneumonia
Pulmonary emboli
Pulmonary oedema
Emphysema
Anaemia
Low cardiac output
