Somerset Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine

We provide complete pulmonary function testing. Pulmonary function testing is very important in
assessing the functional status of the lungs as it relates to:

• How much air can be moved in and out of the lungs
• How fast the air in the lungs can be moved in and out
• How stiff are the lungs and chest wall - compliance of the lungs
• The diffusion characteristics of the membrane through which oxygen passes

Pulmonary Function Test are indicated for the following reasons:

1. Screening for obstructive or restrictive lung diseases
2. Evaluating the patient prior to surgery - this especially applies
   to patients who:
   - are older than 60 years old
   - are known to have lung disease
   - are morbidly obese
   - have a history of smoking, coughing, or wheezing
   - will be under anesthesia for a prolonged period of time
   - are undergoing and abdominal or chest operation
   
3. Documenting the progression of lung disease
4. Documenting the effectiveness of therapeutic intervention