Pulmonary Function Testing
Clearer answers about how well your lungs are working
Pulmonary function testing (PFT) is a group of noninvasive breathing tests that measure how well your lungs move air and transfer oxygen. It helps your provider diagnose lung conditions, better understand breathing symptoms, and monitor changes over time.
Your provider may recommend pulmonary function testing as part of evaluating symptoms such as shortness of breath or chronic cough, or to monitor conditions like asthma, COPD, or pulmonary fibrosis.
Specialized Testing
Diagnose & Monitor
Fewer Trips
Coordinated Pulmonary Care
One Visit More Answers
When appropriate, your Lung & Asthma visit and pulmonary function testing can be scheduled back-to-back.
Understanding Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT)
Why You Need a PFT
Your provider may order pulmonary function testing to better understand your breathing, diagnose a lung condition or see how your lungs are changing over time.
Pulmonary function testing may be used to:
- Evaluate symptoms such as shortness of breath or chronic cough
- Diagnose lung conditions such as asthma, COPD or pulmonary fibrosis
- Monitor lung function and changes over time
- Measure treatment response to medications such as bronchodilators
- Assess lung exposure from environmental or workplace substances
- Prepare for a procedure by evaluating lung function before certain surgeries or treatments
What Your PFT Shows
Pulmonary function testing measures different aspects of how your lungs work.
Your results can help your provider understand:
- How well your lungs move air
- How well your lungs transfer oxygen
- Whether your lung function has changed over time
- How your lungs respond to treatment
- Whether you may need additional evaluation or treatment
Your provider considers these results along with your symptoms and medical history to determine next steps.
What to Expect
Prepare for Testing
Follow any specific instructions provided when your test is scheduled. Unless your care team tells you otherwise:
- Inhaled medications: Avoid for at least six hours before testing. Ask your provider if you're unsure which medications to hold.
- Smoking and tobacco: Avoid for at least four hours before testing.
- Alcohol: Avoid for at least four hours before testing.
- Exercise: Avoid heavy exercise for at least 30 minutes before testing.
- Food: Avoid a large meal within two hours of your test.
- Clothing: Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to take a full breath.
- Please check MyChart for your specific test instructions.
What to Bring
- Current medication list
- Photo ID
- Insurance card
Before You Arrive
Let your care team know if you:
- Are currently ill
- Recently had surgery
- Recently had a heart or lung event
- Are coughing up blood
- Have another condition that may affect your ability to safely complete breathing tests
Questions About Your Visit?
Call (208) 625-6675
View test results and medical history anytime.
Check out MyChart Getting Started Guide or ask our nurses or front office to get started.
