Pulmonary Function Tests

Today in Morning Report, we reviewed an approach to pulmonary disease, with a focus on the utility of pulmonary function tests.

I thought this would be an opportune time to review the definitions of the different "capacities" and "volumes" in pulmonary physiology.

Here is a review of some of the classic flow- volume loop morphologies for pulmonary function tests.

And, lastly, here's a link to the ATS/ERS Task Force: Standardization of Lung Function Testing guide for Interpretative strategies for Lung Function Tests published in Eur Respir J in 2005.