Precise measurement of lung capacity and airflow to diagnose asthma, COPD and restrictive disorders.
A Pulmonary Function Test (PFT), also called spirometry, measures how much air your lungs hold and how fast you can move it in and out. It's the single most important test for diagnosing and tracking asthma, COPD, restrictive lung disease and post-COVID lung changes.
Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) with spirometry is the gold-standard investigation for airway diseases such as asthma and COPD, and helps detect restrictive patterns seen in interstitial lung disease. It objectively measures how much and how fast you can breathe out, and how your lungs respond to a bronchodilator.
No. It is completely non-invasive — you simply blow hard into a mouthpiece under coached instructions.
About 20–30 minutes in total, including pre-test instructions, bronchodilator response and report generation.
Short-acting inhalers should be avoided for 6 hours before and long-acting ones for 12–24 hours if your doctor confirms it is safe. Rescue medication should always be available.
It is best for airway diseases like asthma and COPD. Restrictive diseases may need additional tests such as lung volumes and diffusion (DLCO).
In stable disease, once a year is usually enough. During therapy titration or after a hospitalisation, more frequent testing may be advised.
The information above is educational and does not replace an in-person consultation. For a personalised plan, book with Dr Saurabh Bhatt (MD Pulmonology) at Samarth Chest Hospital & ICU, 4th Floor, RK Casta, Bharuch — call +91 90161 12968 or WhatsApp us.