ARTERIAL BLOOD GAS (ABG)

This diagnostic procedure utilizes whole blood sample and is requested for the evaluation of the oxygenation status, adequacy of ventilation and acid-base status of the patient.

Preparation: None
Extraction Site: Arteries (radial, brachial or femoral)
Test Time: 5 – 10 minutes
Releasing of Results: Within 10 minutes after extraction.
Test Area: Pulmonary Laboratory

Normal Values

PULMONARY FUNCTION TEST (PFT)

A diagnostic procedure which measures the lung volumes and capacities, flow rates, ventilatory capacities and the diffusion of gases. Pulmonary function tests cannot diagnose a specific disease entity, but it helps in differentiating ventilatory defects into two broad categories: restrictive or obstructive pulmonary disease.

Preparation: None
Test Time: 1 Hour
Releasing of Results: After 2 – 3 working days
Test Area: Pulmonary Laboratory

AEROSOL THERAPY

The procedure is used to produce aerosols delivered by ultrasonic equipment or compressor driven nebulizers.

Indications for Aerosol Therapy:
1. Retained secretions
2. Delivery of medicines to airways.
3. Humidification of inspired gas of patients with artificial airway.
4. Sputum induction

Deposition of aerosols via the inhalation route is a type of topical administration with the delivery of high drug concentrations directly to the respiratory mucosa, its local therapeutic effects are optimized and systemic side effects are minimized. The onset of drug action and absorption is rapid because of the large surface of the lung. In addition, the action of gastric, intestinal, and hepatic enzymes is largely avoided.

This procedure requires no preparation and treatment time lasts 15 minutes. Walk-in patients with written request from a physician are entertained immediately.

Preparation: None
Test Time: 10 – 15 minutes
Test Area: In-patient - Bedside, Out-patient - Pulmonary Laboratory

MECHANICAL VENTILATION

Mechanical ventilation is the use of automatic devices connected to the patient’s airway and is designed to augment or provide the patient’s ventilation. The device used could either be gas or electrically powered. These machines are usually deployed in the hospitals critical care areas.

Preparation: Not Applicable
Test Time: Not Applicable
Test Area: In-patient - Bedside

OXYGEN SATURATION MONITORING

The use of portable pulse oximeter that provides continuous monitoring of Oxygen Saturation (SpO2) and pulse rate. It measures oxygen saturation and pulse rate using the principles of spectrophotometry and plethysmography. The procedure is completely noninvasive, and is very safe to use on any patient, pedia or adult.

Preparation: None
Test Time: 5 – 10 minutes
Test Area: In-patient - Bedside, Out-patient - Pulmonary Laboratory

CHEST PHYSIOTHERAPY

The main goal of chest physiotherapy is to restore and maintain function of the respiratory apparatus and assist in clearing of bronchial secretions. The treatment may include one or more specific exercise positions and measures. This procedure may be performed manually or mechanically depending on the patient’s needs.

Preparation: None
Test Time: 15 – 20 minutes
Test Area: In-patient - Bedside, Out-patient - Pulmonary Laboratory

INTERMITTENT POSITIVE PRESSURE BREATHING (IPPB )

It is a therapy that gives rhythmical movement to the weakened lung by supplying intermittently pressurized oxygen in accordance with the patient’s faint inspiration, and can also make the patient inspire aerosol containing medicines like bronchodilators and antibiotics using a specific machine.

Preparation: None
Test Time: 10 – 15 minutes
Test Area: In-patient - Bedside, Out-patient - Pulmonary Laboratory

PEAK EXPIRATORY FLOW RATE (PEFR)

This is the fastest and easiest single-breath simple pulmonary function test available. The resulting flow rate is simply read from the dial on the meter and no calculations are necessary. The patient is instructed on the correct maneuver so he could monitor his peak flow rate even at home.

Preparation: None
Test Time: 5 – 10 minutes
Test Area: In-patient - Bedside, Out-patient - Pulmonary Laboratory

INCENTIVE SPIROMETER

This is a technique using visual feedback to encourage patients to take slow, deep, sustained maximal inspiration (SMI). The apparatus used acts purely as a visual motivator encouraging patient effort and compliance.

Objectives of Incentive Spirometry:
1. Improve inspiratory muscle performance.
2. Re- establish or stimulates normal pattern of pulmonary hyperinflation.
3. Maintain normal airway potency.
5. Prevention or reversal of atelectasis.

Preparation: None
Test Time: 5 – 10 minutes
Test Area: In-patient - Bedside, Out-patient - Pulmonary Laboratory

CONTINUOUS POSITIVE AIRWAY PRESSURE (CPAP) / NON-INVASIVE VENTILATION (NIV)

A method of ventilatory support whereby the patient breathes spontaneously without mechanical assistance against threshold resistance, with pressure above atmospheric maintained at the airway throughout breathing. This is one form of noninvasive ventilation and prescribed to patients to decrease work of breathing and to avoid intubation. It is also recommended for augmenting ventilation to post extubated patients and prevent reintubation.

Preparation: Not Applicable
Test Time: Not Applicable
Test Area: In-patient - Bedside