The following is a list of common questions from patients related to performing pulmonary function tests:

Q.  Does the test hurt?
A.  Pulmonary function testing (PFT’s) are designed to measure your overall lung function, including the amount of air in your lungs, and how well you move air in and out of your lungs. They require some effort to perform well and accurately, but are not painful in any way.

Q.  What time do I need to be there, and how long will this take?
A.   Please plan on arriving 15-30 minutes prior to your study time. This will allow adequate time for signing in, insurance verification, and completion of any necessary paperwork.  The study will typically take 60-90 minutes to complete.

Q.  Can I eat before my test, or do I have to be fasting?
A. You should refrain from eating a large meal immediately prior to the pulmonary function tests. Two to four hours of fasting is recommended.

Q.  Should I exercise on the day of my test?

1. You should refrain from vigorous exercise immediately before testing

Q.  What should I wear?
A. You should wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing. Avoid clothes with tight collars or belts.

Q. Can I do the test if I wear dentures?
A.  If secure, dentures should be left in place for pulmonary function testing.  If dentures are loose, however, they may obstruct the mouthpiece and should be removed.

Q. Will cigarette smoking affect the test?
A.  You should refrain from smoking for 24 hours prior to the study if possible.  Cigarette smoking can affect the accuracy of one portion of the study. If you have continued to smoke prior to the study, please inform the technician. 

Q.  Can I take my breathing medications on the day of the test? When should I stop them? 
A. Bronchodilator medications (either inhaled or delivered by a nebulizer) should be withheld (if possible) prior to pulmonary function testing for the amount of time indicated below:

• Short acting beta agonists:
  Examples: Albuterol, Proventil, Ventolin, Xopenex, ProAir - should be withheld for 4 hours prior to testing.
• Long acting beta agonists:
  Examples: Serevent, Foradil, Advair, Symbicort, Brovana, Perforomist - should be withheld for 12 hours prior to testing.
• Short acting anticholinergics:
  Examples: Atrovent, Ipratropium bromide - should be withheld for 4 hours prior to testing
• Long acting anticholinergics:
  Example: Spiriva - should be withheld for 24 hours prior to testing
• Leukotriene modifiers:
  Examples: Singulair, Zyflo - should be withheld for 24 hours prior to testing
• Methylxanthines (Theophylline)
  Short acting forms should be withheld for 12 hours - long acting forms should be withheld for 24 hours
• Inhaled or oral steroids:
  Examples: Prednisone, Medrol, Pulmicort, Flovent, Alvesco, QVAR, Azmacort - do not need to be withheld prior to testing.

Q.  What if I can’t stop taking my breathing medication?
If you are unable to withhold your medications (symptoms are out of control if you don’t), please continue taking your medications as you normally would, and inform the technician performing your test.

If you have any questions about what to do with your medications, please call the office prior to your study, we’re here to help you. Call 828-586-7994