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The LAM Foundation
LAM Foundation
Understanding your lung function test
Lung function tests can be used to check how well your lungs are working. In this video, you can learn more about the main measurements and how they are calculated. It is important to speak to your doctor if you have any questions about your lung function test or your results.
Transcript
Understanding your lung function test
Spirometry looks at how well your lungs are working. When you have taken your spirometry test, the main measurements are :
FEV1 stands for forced expiratory volume. It is the amount of air you can force out of your lungs in one second. This number can be changed into a percentage when compared to the normal range for someone like you. If this percentage is between 80-100, it is considered normal.
FVC is your Forced Vital Capacity. This is the maximum amount of air you can forcefully breathe out after taking a deep breath in. This number may be changed into a percentage when compared to the normal range for someone like you. If this percentage is between 80-100, it is considered normal.
FEV1/FVC ratio: this is calculated using your FEV1 and FVC results. It is a percentage that can help work out the type of lung condition you may have, restrictive or obstructive, and how severe it may be.
DLCO is your lung diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide. It is a type of lung function test that you may have as well as spirometry. It involves breathing in a special mixture of gas, holding it for 10 seconds then breathing out. It can measure how well your lungs move oxygen from inhaled air to your bloodstream, and it can help diagnose and monitor different lung conditions. Normal ranges depend on factors including age, gender and height..
If you have questions about the test or your results, you should contact your doctor.
Spirometry looks at how well your lungs are working. When you have taken your spirometry test, the main measurements are :
FEV1 stands for forced expiratory volume. It is the amount of air you can force out of your lungs in one second. This number can be changed into a percentage when compared to the normal range for someone like you. If this percentage is between 80-100, it is considered normal.
FVC is your Forced Vital Capacity. This is the maximum amount of air you can forcefully breathe out after taking a deep breath in. This number may be changed into a percentage when compared to the normal range for someone like you. If this percentage is between 80-100, it is considered normal.
FEV1/FVC ratio: this is calculated using your FEV1 and FVC results. It is a percentage that can help work out the type of lung condition you may have, restrictive or obstructive, and how severe it may be.
DLCO is your lung diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide. It is a type of lung function test that you may have as well as spirometry. It involves breathing in a special mixture of gas, holding it for 10 seconds then breathing out. It can measure how well your lungs move oxygen from inhaled air to your bloodstream, and it can help diagnose and monitor different lung conditions. Normal ranges depend on factors including age, gender and height..
If you have questions about the test or your results, you should contact your doctor.
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