Pulmonary Function Lab
Get answers beyond symptoms.
Our Pulmonary Function Lab provides comprehensive respiratory testing to help identify, monitor, and manage conditions affecting the lungs and airways. Whether you're experiencing shortness of breath, chronic cough, asthma symptoms, or preparing for surgery, pulmonary function testing can provide the clarity needed to guide treatment decisions.
What is a Pulmonary Function Test?
A Valuable Diagnostic Tool
Conditions a PFT Can Help Evaluate
Shortness of breath, wheezing, chronic cough, and exercise intolerance can have many causes. Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) measures how well your lungs move air and oxygen, helping physicians determine whether symptoms may be related to asthma, COPD, restrictive lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis, occupational exposures, or other respiratory conditions.
At The Respire Institute, testing is interpreted by board-certified pulmonary specialists who understand how lung function fits into the bigger picture of your health.
- Asthma
- COPD
- Chronic Bronchitis
- Emphysema
- Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)
- Occupational Lung Disease
- Smoking-Related Lung Conditions
- Pulmonary Hypertension
- Chronic Cough
- Unexplained Shortness of Breath
- Pre-Surgical Pulmonary Risk Assessment
Our Pulmonary Function Lab Services
Our Pulmonary Function Lab Services
Spirometry
Lung Volume Testing
Measures how quickly and effectively air moves through the lungs.
Evaluates total lung capacity and helps identify restrictive lung diseases.
Depending on your physician's recommendations, testing may include:
Diffusion Capacity (DLCO)
Measures how effectively oxygen moves from the lungs into the bloodstream.
Bronchodilator Response Testing
Assesses how the lungs respond to inhaled medications commonly used for asthma and COPD.
Why Pulmonary Function Testing Matters
The Right Diagnosis Leads to Better Care.
- Is this asthma or something else?
- Are symptoms related to the lungs or another system?
- How severe is the condition?
- Is treatment working?
- Has lung function changed over time?
The answers help physicians make more informed treatment decisions and allow patients to better understand their respiratory health.
For Referring Providers
Diagnostic Support for Complex Patients
Breathing Answers Before the Next Step
Common Uses:
- COPD screening and staging
- Asthma confirmation
- Dyspnea evaluation
- Smoking history assessment
- Occupational exposure workups
Primary Care
Dr. Alikhan, Director of Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center
Is It the Heart, the Lungs, or Both?
Cardiology
Common Uses:
- Cardiac versus pulmonary dyspnea differentiation
- Pulmonary hypertension evaluation
- Pre-operative risk assessment
- Drug toxicity monitoring
American Heart Association, Human Chest Cavity Illustration
Monitoring Lung Health in Autoimmune Disease
Rheumatology
Common Uses:
- Interstitial lung disease (ILD) surveillance
- Scleroderma-related lung monitoring
- Connective tissue disease screening
- Restrictive lung disease evaluation
- Long-term treatment monitoring
- Serial DLCO and FVC tracking
Protecting Lung Function Throughout Treatment
Oncology
Common Uses:
- Baseline pulmonary function prior to treatment
- Drug toxicity monitoring
- Radiation pneumonitis surveillance
- Surgical pulmonary reserve assessment
WashU Medicine and Getty Images
Understanding the Respiratory Impact of Neuromuscular Conditions
Neurology
Common Uses:
- Neuromuscular disease monitoring
- Respiratory muscle weakness evaluation
- ALS respiratory assessment
- Muscular dystrophy surveillance
- Sleep-related breathing disorder evaluation
American Physiological Society
What to Expect During Your Visit
Most pulmonary function tests are non-invasive, painless, and completed in about an hour. To help us obtain the most accurate assessment of your lung function, please follow these preparation guidelines:
✓ No inhalers, nebulizers, or breathing treatments for at least 6 hours before testing
✓ No smoking for at least 6 hours before testing
✓ No food for at least 1 hour before your appointment
✓ No caffeine after midnight the night before your test, including coffee, tea, soda, energy drinks, or other caffeinated beverages
Please plan to spend approximately one hour in our Pulmonary Function Lab.
If you have any questions before your appointment, our team is happy to help at (713) 464-8099.
Most pulmonary function tests are non-invasive, painless, and completed in about an hour. To help us obtain the most accurate assessment of your lung function, please follow these preparation guidelines:
✓ No inhalers, nebulizers, or breathing treatments for at least 6 hours before testing
✓ No smoking for at least 6 hours before testing
✓ No food for at least 1 hour before your appointment
✓ No caffeine after midnight the night before your test, including coffee, tea, soda,
energy drinks, or other caffeinated beverages
Please plan to spend approximately one hour in our Pulmonary Function Lab.
If you have any questions before your appointment, our team is happy to help at (713) 464-8099.
A Simple Test. Valuable Answers.
Pulmonary Expertise Under One Roof
Patients benefit from access to
- Board-certified pulmonary specialists
- Pulmonary rehabilitation services
- Sleep medicine expertise
- Advanced COPD programs
- ION Bronchoscopy
- Zephyr Valve evaluation
- Allergy services
- Coordinated follow-up care
Unlike standalone testing centers, our Pulmonary Function Lab is part of a comprehensive pulmonary and sleep medicine practice.
Pulmonary function testing is typically ordered by a healthcare provider based on your symptoms, medical history, or need for ongoing monitoring. If you're unsure whether testing is appropriate for you, contact our team for guidance.
When will I receive my PFT results?
Your test results are reviewed and interpreted by a pulmonary specialist and shared with your ordering provider. Your provider will discuss what the findings mean for your care and any recommended next steps.
What happens if my Pulmonary Function Test is abnormal?
An abnormal result does not necessarily mean you have a specific lung disease. Your provider will interpret your results alongside your symptoms, medical history, and other testing to determine whether additional evaluation or treatment is needed.
Can my doctor refer me for testing if they are not part of The Respire Institute?
Yes. Our Pulmonary Function Lab works with referring providers across multiple specialties. Outside providers can refer patients for pulmonary function testing and receive clinically interpreted results to support ongoing care.
Will my insurance cover Pulmonary Function Testing?
Coverage varies by insurance plan and the testing ordered. We recommend confirming your individual benefits and coverage requirements with your insurance provider before your appointment.
An abnormal result does not necessarily mean you have a specific lung disease. Your provider will interpret your results alongside your symptoms, medical history, and other testing to determine whether additional evaluation or treatment is needed.
Will my insurance cover Pulmonary Function Testing?
Coverage varies by insurance plan and the testing ordered. We recommend confirming your individual benefits and coverage requirements with your insurance provider before your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pulmonary function testing is typically ordered by a healthcare provider based on your symptoms, medical history, or need for ongoing monitoring. If you're unsure whether testing is appropriate for you, contact our team for guidance.
When will I receive my PFT results?
Your test results are reviewed and interpreted by a pulmonary specialist and shared with your ordering provider. Your provider will discuss what the findings mean for your care and any recommended next steps.
