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Pulmonary Function Screening
Pulmonary Function Screening evaluates and measures how much air and how easily the air moves in and out of the lungs. Many employers like to conduct these tests as part of the hiring process. These tests do not test for lung fitness or exercise tolerance.
The results of your Pulmonary Function Screening test will help determine if you have any potential problems with your lungs which may be caused by exposure to irritants or allergens such as, smoke, animal’s, ragweed or chemicals in your home or workplace. These results can help your doctor diagnose a lung disease such as asthma, emphysema or pulmonary fibrosis.
These tests may detect a respiratory defect at an early stage. Your employer may choose to have you do a Pulmonary Function Screening test to check your lung function over time. This depends on the environment that you are exposed to.
During the Screening:
You will be asked to breathe through a mouthpiece and to wear a nose clip to pinch your nose closed during the test. All of the air that you breathe out during the test must go through the mouthpiece to ensure the results are accurate
You will be asked to take a breath in as deeply as you can and then blow your air out as fast as you can. Keeping a tight seal with your lips and teeth around the mouthpiece is important.
You will be asked to repeat the test several times until the spirometer can measure a successful maneuver. Accurate measurements depend on you following the instructions and you giving your best effort. All results are sent to the Medical Review Office that represents your company.