Pulmonary function testing - PFT

Pulmonary Function Testing is an essential diagnostic tool in respiratory medicine, providing critical insights into lung health and function. It provides detailed diagnosis, grading, and monitoring of pulmonary diseases, enhancing the diagnostic value of Spirometry (for detailed description of basic Spirometry see previous chapter). 

PFT devices are indispensable tools in internal medicine and pulmonology. Measurements of total lung capacity and residual volume are crucial for distinguishing between restrictive and obstructive lung diseases. The diagnosis and grading of obstructive lung diseases, such as COPD or asthma, can be further supported by measuring airway resistance.

Additionally, determining the diffusion capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide aids in diagnosing interstitial lung diseases and detecting vascular diseases. Timely interventions, based on PFT can significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life. In addition to diagnosis, PFT is crucial for monitoring the progression of respiratory diseases. Regular testing can track changes in lung function over time, providing valuable data on whether a condition is stable, improving, or worsening. This information is essential for adjusting treatment plans to ensure they remain effective. For example, in patients with COPD, periodic PFT helps to assess the effectiveness of bronchodilator therapy and other treatments.

PFT also plays a significant role in evaluating the impact of environmental and occupational exposures on lung health. Individuals exposed to pollutants, chemicals, or dust in their workplace can undergo a PFT to detect early signs of lung damage. This proactive approach can lead to early interventions that prevent further deterioration of lung function. Moreover, PFT is used to assess a patient‘s fitness for surgery, particularly in procedures that may impact respiratory function. Preoperative PFT helps to determine the risk of postoperative complications and guides the management of patients with existing respiratory conditions. This ensures that surgical interventions are as safe as possible and that appropriate measures are taken to support respiratory health during recovery.

Another critical aspect of PFT is its role in research and development of new treatments. By providing detailed data on lung function, PFT helps researchers understand the mechanisms of respiratory diseases and evaluate the efficacy of new therapies. This contributes to the advancement of medical knowledge and the development of innovative treatments that can improve patient care.

In summary, Pulmonary Function Testing is a cornerstone of respiratory medicine. Its ability to diagnose diseases early, monitor disease progression, evaluate environmental impacts, assess surgical risks, and support research makes it an indispensable tool in the management of respiratory health. Regular PFT can lead to better health outcomes and an improved quality of life for individuals with respiratory conditions.

PFTstik

for classic Spirometry and resistance measurement

Bodystik

for Gold Standard classic Body Plethysmography and comfortable patient testing

Both Geratherm Respiratory PFT devices utilize the powerful BLUE CHERRY® diagnostic software platform, enabling PFT in compliance with the latest ATS/ERS guidelines. Integrated quality control and interpretation tools ensure the validity of test results and support daily workflows. A robust report configuration feature allows customizable reports, presenting all relevant information in the desired format to meet team preferences. BLUE CHERRY® is scalable, supporting everything from single workstation setups to complex network installations across multiple labs.