Functional testing

Many autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases affect the lungs. Therefore, assessment of pulmonary function represents a valuable diagnostic tool in evaluation of these conditions. In addition, the technique also allows us to assess your physical fitness.

IFSMED offers a number of lung testing and pulmonary function tests including:

Spirometry
This procedure is intended to measure your breath by focusing on the speed and flow of air that can be taken in and expelled using a device known as a spirometer. By doing spirometry testing, we are able to determine the volume of air a patient can intake and expel, how quickly they can do so, and the overall stiffness of their lungs and chest.

Diffusion Lung Capacity
This test is designed to measure the ability of your lungs to transfer gases. You will typically inhale a mixture of inert gas and hold it for 10 seconds, then blow out. A measurement of the gas in the expelled breath will determine how effective the lungs are at gas transfer and what shape they are in overall.

Aerobic Capacity Tests — VO2 Max
VO2 Max refers to the maximum capacity of a body to transport and use oxygen during exercise and is considered to be an excellent predictor of overall health and athletic performance. Measuring VO2 Max involves a physical effort designed to tax the aerobic system to a point where oxygen consumption levels off despite a heavy workload. The higher a VO2 Max, the less lung functioning has been compromised.

To find more information about pulmonary function tests at IFSMED, call us at (858) 794-9192 or send us an e-mail at info@ifsmed.com