Body plethysmography or “Body Box”, is a very sensitive lung volume measurement used to detect abnormalities that might be missed on basic spirometry. This method measures the absolute volume of air within the lungs. The absolute volume can either be increased or decreased with different forms of lung disease.

DLCO or commonly called lung diffusion testing, measures how well oxygen and carbon dioxide can pass from the lungs into the blood stream and vice versa. The value can either be increased or decreased related to different forms of cardiovascular or pulmonary disease.

Methacholine Challenge Testing is used to determine how responsive or irritable the airways are and to help diagnose asthma. The subject is asked to inhale a mist that contains methacholine. Spirometry is then assessed to see if there is a change in the volume or speed in which the air can be blown out. This test is helpful to evaluate unexplained cough, wheezing, or shortness of breath.

This test estimates the amount of oxygen in the blood stream by shining a light through a fingertip. Because blood that holds a lot of oxygen is a different color than less oxygenated blood (oxygenated blood is bright red, otherwise it is purple), the device is able to estimate the blood’s oxygen content.

Arterial Blood Gases (ABG’s) are used to measure the acidity (ph) and levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood from an artery. This test is used to check how well your lungs are able to move oxygen into the blood and remove carbon dioxide from the blood. This test is even more accurate than pulse oximetry.

Our caring and professional respiratory therapists provide unique care based on each patient’s needs, from an asthmatic child in the emergency room to an elderly person with chronic disease. Proper use of oxygen and respiratory medications can help the person live well with their disease.