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Lung diffusion testing
Lung diffusion testing

Lung diffusion testing
Definition:
A test to determine how well oxygen passes from the air sacs of the lungs into the blood.
Alternative Names:
Diffusing capacity; Diffusion capacity; DLCO test
How the test is performed:
You inhale a single breath from a volume of gas containing a known small quantity of carbon monoxide, hold your breath for 10 seconds, then rapidly exhale. The exhaled gas is then analyzed to determine the amount of carbon monoxide that was absorbed during the breath.
How to prepare for the test:
Do not eat a heavy meal before the test. Do not smoke for at least 4 to 6 hours prior to the test. Specific instructions will be given if bronchodilators or inhaler medications are to be withheld before the test.

Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experiences, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:

How the test will feel:
There is a tight fitting mouth piece to breathe through, and nose clips are applied.
Why the test is performed:
The test is performed to determine the presence and extent of certain lung diseases that affect how well gases cross from the air sacs into the bloodstream.
Normal Values:
This test is usually reported as the percent of predicted amount of carbon monoxide inhaled that should be absorbed, according to the age, sex, and height of the person.
What abnormal results mean:
Abnormal results generally indicate that gases do not diffuse normally across lung membranes. This may indicate that certain lung diseases are present. Some of these diseases are diffuse interstitial fibrosis, sarcoidosis, asbestosis, and emphysema.
What the risks are:
There are no significant risks.
Special considerations:
Other pulmonary function tests may be done in combination with this test.
Review Date: 12/6/2001
Reviewed By: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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