Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine
The Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, part of the Department of Medicine, offers world-class patient care, research programs and education and training opportunities.
Pulmonary Function Tests
Testing for COPD, asthma, emphysema and more
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Expert Lung Function Tests
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) pulmonology specialists offer the latest in pulmonary function tests (PFTs) to diagnose lung conditions. Our team members are experienced and compassionate, ready to provide you with the best possible care. You may need to undergo a PFT if you’re experiencing a lung-related symptom, such as difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
Pulmonary Function Laboratory Locations
Our dedicated Pulmonary Function Lab performs a range of tests to evaluate lung function. The lab is located on the first floor of the Rabb building, East Campus.
We are also committed to delivering care for our patients closer to their home and provide PFT testing at our Chestnut Hill practice, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital–Milton and Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital–Needham.
Types of Pulmonary Function Tests
We perform the full range of PFTs, including:
- Arterial puncture for arterial blood gas (ABG): this test checks for severe breathing and lung problems.
- Cardiopulmonary stress testing: exercise test to check how well your lungs are working.
- Diffusing capacity test: this test measures how much oxygen goes from your lungs to your blood when you inhale.
- Hypoxic altitude simulation testing: this test checks to see if you need oxygen when you fly on an airplane or travel to high altitudes.
- Lung volume test: this test measures how much air is in your lungs.
- Methacholine challenge test: this evaluation checks how responsive your lungs are and can help diagnose asthma
- Maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) tests: these exams check the strength of your lung muscles.
- Oximetry: this measures the amount of oxygen in your blood.
- Plethysmography: this measures how much air you can hold in your lungs before and after taking a breath.
- Pre- and post-bronchodilator studies: these exams test the effectiveness of medication on lung disease.
- Six-minute walk test: this test checks your heart and lung activity during six minutes of exercise.
- Spirometry: this measures how much air you can breathe out in a single breath.
