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Lung diffusion testing   

Overview | Risks | Results

Alternative names:

Diffusing capacity; Diffusion capacity; DLCO test

Definition:

A test to determine how well oxygen passes from the air sacs of the lungs into the blood.

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:

• infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
• toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
• preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
• schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
• adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

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.

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