Tenet Health Central Coast provides a full range of Respiratory Therapy services for both inpatients and outpatients, including a Pulmonary Function Lab at both Twin Cities Community Hospital and Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center. These labs have the ability to perform adult and pediatric complete Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT’s) including:

• Spirometry

  Spirometry is the most common of the pulmonary function tests (PFTs). It measures lung function, specifically lung capacity and air flow. Spirometry is essential in the diagnosis and treatment of COPD and Asthma. The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) has proposed 4 stages of COPD, based upon spirometric testing. Spirometry is also essential in the assessment and maintenance of other high-risk lung conditions such as pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis and lung toxicity.

• Spirometry & Bronchodilator Evaluation Spirometry

  Spirometry is the most common of the pulmonary function tests (PFTs). It measures lung function, specifically lung capacity and air flow. Spirometry is essential in the diagnosis and treatment of COPD and Asthma. The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) has proposed 4 stages of COPD, based upon spirometric testing. Spirometry is also essential in the assessment and maintenance of other high-risk lung conditions such as pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis and lung toxicity.

• Diffusion of Carbon Monoxide (DLCO)

  Evaluates the impact of emphysema, amiodarone / chemo biologic lung toxicities, interstitial lung disease, or pulmonary artery hypertension on oxygen absorption.

• Lung Volumes Measured by Plethysmography (Body Box)

  Accurately evaluates total lung capacity, functional residual capacity, and airway resistance for the diagnosis of restrictive disorders, and the degree of hyperinflation in obstructive disorders. Plethysmography is considered the most accurate method for measuring functional reserve capacity and reserve volume, particularly in obstructive disorders.

• Methacholine Challenge (Bronchial Challenge)

  Methacholine challenge test, also known as bronchoprovocation, is performed to evaluate how reactive or responsive lungs are to particles in the environment. It can assist in evaluating symptoms suggestive of asthma, such as cough, chest tightness and shortness of breath. This test can also help diagnose whether reactive airway disease is present, when other forms of pulmonary testing have been inconclusive.

• Functional Reserve Volume (FRC)by Plethysmography, or Nitrogen Wash-Out
• Total Lung Capacity
• Arterial Blood Gas Testing
• Co-Oximetry for the measurement of actual Oxygen Saturation (O2Hb%), Carboxyhemoglobin (COHb%), and Methemoglobin (MetHb%)
• Pulse Oximetry
• Simple Stress Testing (6 minute walking pulse Oximetry study)

All studies are performed by a California Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner and read by pulmonologists. Physician orders should be sent to Outpatient Services for scheduling. Same week appointments are generally available. Emergent appointments can be made on a case-by-case basis. Pediatric testing limited to patient’s ability.