Pulmonary Laboratory

Accurate Diagnosis: Schmidt Chest Clinic Pulmonary Laboratory

Experience shows that many pulmonary patients are misdiagnosed, often because their clinician does not have access to the testing equipment needed to pinpoint the problem.

The Schmidt Chest Clinic Pulmonary Laboratory contains the state-of-the-art diagnostic machinery and equipment needed to perform the necessary tests and protocols for accurate diagnosis of pulmonary conditions.

Tests

• Spirometry - pre and post bronchodilator
• Diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO)
• Body plethysmography (Body Box)
• Maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV)
• Maximum inspiratory pressure and maximum expiratory pressure measurements
• Six-minute walk test
• B.O.D.E. index calculation (multidimensional index that predicts mortality risk in patients with COPD)
• Arterial blood gas measurement (ABG)
• Cardiopulmonary exercise testing
• Methacholine bronchoprovocation testing

Specific Diagnostic Protocols

Protocols consist of a combination of tests for a specific clinical condition or diagnosis.

1. Complete PFT protocol
   • Spirometry (bronchodilator if indicated)
   • DCLO
   • TLC by body plethysmography if FVC or TLC by inert gas is reduced
   • Six-minute walk
2. COPD protocol
   • Spirometry with bronchodilator
   • Six-minute walk
   • Determination of B.O.D.E. index
3. Hepatopulmonary protocol
   • DLCO
   • ABG
   • Standing, sitting and supine oximetry and Borg dyspnea score
4. Amiodarone protocol
   • Spirometry (bronchodilator if indicated)
   • DLCO
5. Neuromuscular disorder protocol
   • Spirometry (bronchodilator if indicated), DLCO
   • MIP, MEP, MVV
   • Sitting and supine vital capacity
6. Bone marrow transplant protocol
   • Spirometry (bronchodilator if indicated)
   • DLCO

Pulmonary laboratory personnel communicate with the ordering provider if there are unusual results or patient issues that need to be addressed.