Services
We offer a non-invasive Pulmonary Function Test (PFT), along with a six minute walk. A Pulmonary Function Test aids in determining how well your lungs are performing and assessing the impact of medications, and environmental components on lung function. This assessment informs your physician about the volume of air you inhale per breath, the efficiency of air exchange in your lungs, and the oxygen transfer to your blood.
Pulmonary Function Testing
Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) is a group of noninvasive tests that measure how well your lungs are working. These tests evaluate things like:
Lung volume – how much air your lungs can hold.
Airflow – how quickly you can move air in and out of your lungs.
Gas exchange – how well your lungs move oxygen into the blood and remove carbon dioxide.
Common Types of PFTs
Spirometry – measures how much air you can breathe in and out, and how fast you can blow air out.
Lung volume testing – measures the total amount of air in your lungs after you take the deepest breath possible.
Diffusion capacity (DLCO) – checks how well gases (like oxygen) pass from your lungs into your bloodstream.
Bronchodilator response – tests if inhaled medications improve airflow.
Why They’re Done
Doctors use PFTs to help diagnose and monitor conditions such as:
Asthma
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Pulmonary fibrosis
Other lung diseases
They’re also used before surgeries, to check treatment effectiveness, or for occupational health screening (for people exposed to dust, fumes, or chemicals).
What to Expect
You’ll usually sit upright, breathe into a mouthpiece connected to a machine, and follow instructions like “take a deep breath and blow out as hard as you can.” The tests are safe, quick, and painless, though you might feel a little short of breath or lightheaded temporarily.
6 Minute Walking Test
What It Is:
You walk back and forth along a flat, measured course (usually 30 meters/100 feet) for 6 minutes.
The goal is to walk as far as possible in that time at your own pace, resting if needed.
The total distance walked is recorded.
What It Measures:
Functional exercise capacity – how well your body handles everyday activity.
Endurance and stamina for activities like walking, climbing stairs, or doing chores.
Cardiopulmonary response – heart rate, oxygen saturation, breathing, and fatigue levels.
Why It’s Used
Doctors use the 6MWT for people with conditions such as:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Pulmonary hypertension
Heart failure
Pulmonary fibrosis
Pre- and post-lung or heart transplant evaluation
It’s also used in rehab programs to measure progress over time.
What Happens During the Test
Baseline vitals are taken (heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation).
You walk back and forth on the course for 6 minutes.
You can slow down, stop, or rest if needed.
At the end, the provider measures distance walked, symptoms, and vitals again.
What Results Mean
Longer distance = better functional capacity.
Shorter distance may indicate worsening heart/lung disease, deconditioning, or poor endurance.
Repeated over time, it shows whether treatments or rehab are improving your fitness.
About Us
Authorized Pulmonary is the leading healthcare provider in the region that also stands committed to providing for the ever-growing and diverse healthcare needs of the individuals in our community.
© 2020 All rights reserved. Privacy Policy