Emphysema Tests

Pulmonary Function Testing. Also referred to as PFTs, pulmonary function tests are used to determine several characteristics and capabilities of your lungs. They can be performed in a physician's office or laboratory and will measure the following:

• Total Lung Capacity. This is the amount of air your lungs are capable of holding.
• Forced Expiratory Volume. This test measures how efficiently you can move air in and out of your lungs.

Pulse Oximetry. This test uses a lighted clip on your finger or toe to indirectly measure the amount of oxygen in your blood.

Arterial Blood Gas. This is a blood test that tells how well your body is getting oxygen and how effectively the lungs can remove carbon dioxide.

Chest X-Ray. Changes in the lungs may not be noticed on X-ray findings in the early stages of emphysema. Over time, as the disease worsens, there are several changes that appear on the chest X-ray.

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