Spirometry is a common pulmonary function test that measures how much air the lungs can hold and how quickly it can be expelled. A spirometer, the device used to perform spirometry, measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled and the rates at which it happens. Spirometry results help detect respiratory conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), restrictive lung disease and other disorders affecting lung function.

Another useful lung function test is the diffusing capacity test, which measures how well oxygen passes from the lungs into the bloodstream. The test involves breathing a gas mixture containing carbon monoxide and oxygen and then measuring how much carbon monoxide is absorbed from the lungs into the bloodstream. Respiratory Disease Testing A reduced diffusing capacity may suggest interstitial lung disease, lung scarring or other abnormalities affecting the lungs' ability to transfer oxygen into the blood.

Respiratory Disease Testing

Imaging tests provide visualizations of the lungs that can detect structural or functional abnormalities. Chest x-rays produce images of the lungs and surrounding areas. They are often the first imaging test ordered to investigate respiratory symptoms. Chest x-rays can detect signs of pneumonia, tuberculosis, lung tumors and other abnormalities.

Computed tomography (CT) scanning provides more detailed images of the lungs than standard x-rays. CT scans with specialized techniques like high-resolution CT, volumetric CT or dynamic CT allow radiologists to clearly visualize small airways, lung parenchyma and blood vessels. These advanced CT scans are useful for diagnosing diffuse lung diseases, interstitial lung disease, bronchiectasis and cancer. CT angiography involves intravenous injection of contrast material during the scan to highlight blood vessels and detect embolisms.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans use powerful magnets instead of radiation. MRI is considered superior to CT for characterizing thoracic tumors and evaluating mediastinal structures. However, CT is more commonly used to image the lungs due to its faster scan times and ability to capture images during brief breath-holds. MRI is better tolerated than CT by patients who cannot hold their breath or who must undergo repeat imaging.

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