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What is pulmonary function tests?

21 November 2025

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Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are respiratory studies that evaluate whether the lungs are working properly. These exams measure certain parameters, such as the lungs’ capacity to hold air, respiratory flow, and the amount of oxygen in the blood.

Among the most common pulmonary function tests are:

  • Spirometry: This is the most frequent test. It’s performed with a spirometer, a device that measures the amount of air your lungs move when you inhale and exhale, as well as the speed at which you do it.
  • Lung Volume: This test verifies lung capacity by measuring the volume of air remaining in the lungs after you exhale.
  • Gas Diffusion: This test quantifies the passage of oxygen and other gases from the lungs to the blood.
  • Exercise Test: This is used to observe pulmonary performance in response to physical activity.

The tests mentioned can be performed individually or in combination, depending on the specific pathology, symptoms, and medical recommendations.

What Are Pulmonary Function Tests Used For?

  • Diagnosing respiratory conditions.
  • Monitoring chronic pulmonary diseases, such as:
    • Asthma
    • Emphysema
    • COPD
  • Verifying the effectiveness of treatments.
  • Pre-operative studies to check pulmonary physiology.
  • Identifying lung damage from exposure to chemicals or pollutants.

When Are Pulmonary Function Tests Necessary?

PFTs are necessary when a patient presents with respiratory symptoms such as:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Chronic cough
  • Wheezing
  • Chronic lung diseases
  • Exposure to asbestos or chemicals
  • Scleroderma
  • Sarcoidosis
  • Respiratory infections

PFTs are also used to confirm a diagnosis and for pre-operative studies.

Pulmonary function tests pose no risk, and their results are used to diagnose, among other conditions, obstructive and restrictive pulmonary diseases.

At the Cardiovascular Center, we offer a wide range of prevention, diagnosis, timely treatment, and follow-up services to take care of you through a comprehensive and multidisciplinary care model. Come see us; we want to listen to your heart.

Related Centers and Departments:

Cardiovascular Center
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Fuentes:

  • topdoctors.es
  • cun.es
  • mgyf.org
  • texasheart.com
  • clevelandclinic.org
  • mayoclinic.org
  • medlineplus.gov
  • msdmanuals.com
  • medigraphic.org
  • Vázquez-García JC, Gochicoa-Rangel L, Del Río-Hidalgo RF, et al. Prueba de difusión pulmonar de monóxido de carbono con técnica de una sola respiración (DL,COsb). Recomendaciones y procedimiento. Neumol Cir Torax. 2016;75(2):161-172. doi:10.35366/67118.
  • Torres GE, Ramírez-Zapata S, Durán JJ. Características de las curvas espiratorias flujo-volumen en residentes sanos de la ciudad de México. Neumol Cir Torax. 2002;61(1):10-16.
  • Cruz-Anleu ID, Baños-Mejía BO, Galicia-Amor S. Prueba de marcha de seis minutos en niños con enfermedad neuromuscular. Rev Med Inst Mex Seguro Soc. 2013;51(6):674-679.
  • Reyes HD. Uso de los valores de referencia de la función pulmonar. Rev Cub Med Mil. 2020;49(4):.

How can we help you?

    The dissemination of the content of this material is for informational purposes only and does not replace, under any circumstance or condition, a consultation with a specialist doctor, for which the ABC Medical Center is not responsible for the different use that may be given to it. If you require more information related to the subject, we suggest you contact the specialist doctor you trust directly.