

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs)
Learn more about Inspira Health’s pulmonary function testing (PFT) for bariatric surgery patients and find out if you’re a candidate for weight loss surgery. There are three primary types of PFTs, all of which are available with Inspira.
Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs)

Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are performed to help measure how well your lungs are able to inhale and exhale air, and they can also show how efficiently oxygen is being transferred from your lungs into your bloodstream. PFTs also help predict the risk of complications after bariatric surgery.
There are three primary types of PFTs:
Spirometry
This test measures your ability to exhale the air in your lungs. It is used to help determine if you have any lung diseases such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
To perform this test, you will be asked to breathe into a mouthpiece that is attached to a circular device called a spirometer. The spirometer will record the amount of air that you are breathing in and out. You may be asked to breathe normally or to take a deep breath and to blow the air out of your lungs as if you were blowing up a balloon. Your technician may use a nose clip to get a better reading.
Lung Volume Measurement
A lung volume measurement test helps to detect a restrictive lung disease. A patient with restrictive lung disease cannot inhale a normal volume of air, which is typically the result of inflammation or scarring of the lung tissue. It can also be a result of abnormalities of the muscles or bones in the chest area.
This test can be conducted in a number of ways, and the staff at the location where you have the test performed will provide you with specific instructions.
Diffusion Capacity Test (DLCO)
A diffusion capacity test will give an estimation of how effective your lungs are at transferring oxygen from the air you breathe into your bloodstream. You will be asked to take a breath (usually one) of carbon monoxide. This test is safe; it will not hurt or poison you. When you exhale, the technician will measure the amount of carbon monoxide. By comparing the amount of carbon monoxide inhaled with the amount exhaled, your physician can determine how quickly oxygen travels from your lungs to your blood.
PFTs do not hurt, but you might experience some lightheadedness or shortness of breath after each test. It is important that you tell the technician how you feel during the tests and follow testing instructions very carefully to ensure accurate results.
After the test, you can eat normally and perform normal activities. Your results will be ready in a few days. If any risk factors or underlying conditions are detected, your bariatric care team will address these issues before performing your bariatric procedure.
Our team of highly-trained surgeons is ready to answer your questions.
Why Choose Inspira?
Our advanced testing technology helps your bariatric care team diagnose and treat underlying issues that can put your health in danger. PFTs and other cardio-pulmonary tests are conducted to detect risk and uncover hidden conditions or breathing problems. These tests also satisfy various prerequisites required by insurance carriers.
By using education and empathy as tools to empower bariatric surgery candidates, Inspira’s multidisciplinary team keeps patients informed about what they can expect before surgery, and how they can cope after the procedure’s over. Undergoing weight loss surgery is only part of the journey, and keeping the pounds off can be difficult if patients don’t understand how to adjust to their new lifestyle. Whether you suffer from a pulmonary condition or are struggling to find an exercise regimen that works for you, our dedicated team of caregivers is here to help.
Inspira Bariatric Surgery Locations
Our bariatric surgical specialists treat patients around South Jersey from state-of-the-art inpatient and outpatient facilities.
Bariatric Surgery - Mullica Hill
700 Mullica Hill Rd., Mullica Hill, NJ 08062Explore More Options
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