Pulmonary Function Laboratory in Baltimore

The pulmonary function laboratory is an important component of our program. The tests administered in the laboratory can be used to diagnose, manage and treat lung disorders. Mercy’s specialists may perform pulmonary function tests for the following reasons:

• Determine lung function
• Assist with diagnosis of a lung disorder
• Assess the progression of lung disease
• Detect lung disorders in early stages

A lung specialist, also known as a pulmonologist, may administer tests in a pulmonary function laboratory to help support a diagnosis or check the progression of a lung disorder. The test results may aid in diagnosing a new lung disorder at an early stage or determining the status of an existing lung disorder or its responsiveness to treatment.

Pulmonary function tests may be used to better evaluate common symptoms of lung conditions including:

• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Cough

Pulmonary function tests may be performed to assess the status of common lung diseases including:

• Asthma
• COPD
• Chronic bronchitis
• Interstitial lung disease
• Neuromuscular lung disease
• Occupational lung disease

Our pulmonary function laboratory provides the following tests for patients:

• Spirometry
• Lung diffusion capacity
• Lung volumes
• Arterial blood gases
• Pulse oximetry
• Maximal inspiratory pressure
• Exercise challenge test
• Airway resistance