DLCO overestimated from a pre-test leak
We’ve been aware of this particular issue for several years. My PFT lab has had some turnover lately and the newer staff aren’t familiar with this problem so it has…
We’ve been aware of this particular issue for several years. My PFT lab has had some turnover lately and the…
13 Oct 2013 October 13, 2013 by Richard Johnston • Leave a comment
The FEV3/FVC ratio, a useful tool for assessing early and mild airway obstruction
The FEV1 and FEV1/FVC ratio seems to have become the predominant, if not the sole factor for determining the presence of airway obstruction. It is true that a reduced FEV1/FVC…
The FEV1 and FEV1/FVC ratio seems to have become the predominant, if not the sole factor for determining the presence…
6 Oct 2013 October 6, 2013 by Richard Johnston • Leave a comment
The ERV Effect
I used to think that spirometry and diffusion capacity tests were hard and that lung volumes were easy. That may have been true in terms of getting patients to do…
I used to think that spirometry and diffusion capacity tests were hard and that lung volumes were easy. That may…
2 Oct 2013 October 2, 2013 by Richard Johnston • Leave a comment
SNIP when you can’t MIP
The MIP test is used to assess the strength of the inspiratory muscles and is commonly performed in patients with neuromuscular disease. Results however, are often low because the sensation…
The MIP test is used to assess the strength of the inspiratory muscles and is commonly performed in patients with…
22 Sep 2013 September 22, 2013 by Richard Johnston • Leave a comment
What’s normal about a 6-minute walk?
The distance attained during a 6-minute walk (6MWD) has been used extensively to assess the functional capacity of patients with a variety of diseases and conditions. It is relatively easy…
The distance attained during a 6-minute walk (6MWD) has been used extensively to assess the functional capacity of patients with…
15 Sep 2013 September 15, 2013 by Richard Johnston • Leave a comment
When spirometry was amusing
The late 1800’s through the early 1900’s saw the birth and spread of amusement parks, penny arcades and nickelodeons. Although this was due in part to an increase in the…
The late 1800’s through the early 1900’s saw the birth and spread of amusement parks, penny arcades and nickelodeons. Although…
7 Sep 2013 September 7, 2013 by Richard Johnston • Leave a comment
Marketing your PFT Lab
A writer posed an interesting question on the AARC Diagnostics forum several weeks ago and that was how to market their PFT Lab. I don’t think they got much of…
A writer posed an interesting question on the AARC Diagnostics forum several weeks ago and that was how to market…
2 Sep 2013 September 2, 2013 by Richard Johnston • Leave a comment
When the spirometer was Quack Medicine
The beginning of pulmonary function testing can best be dated to 1846 when John Hutchinson invented the spirometer. Although similar devices had been used by previous scientists he turned it…
The beginning of pulmonary function testing can best be dated to 1846 when John Hutchinson invented the spirometer. Although similar…
8 Aug 2013 August 8, 2013 by Richard Johnston • Leave a comment
SVC and the FEV1/FVC Ratio
The Slow Vital Capacity (SVC) maneuver is usually performed as part of lung volume measurements. It is not unusual for the SVC to be larger than the FVC, particularly in…
The Slow Vital Capacity (SVC) maneuver is usually performed as part of lung volume measurements. It is not unusual for…
2 Aug 2013 August 2, 2013 by Richard Johnston • Leave a comment
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