Pulmo Check

Pulmo Check

Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) is a complete evaluation of the respiratory system including patient history, physical examinations, chest x-ray examinations, arterial blood gas analysis, and tests of pulmonary function. The primary purpose of pulmonary function testing is to identify the severity of pulmonary impairment. Pulmonary function testing has diagnostic and therapeutic roles and helps clinicians answer some general questions about patients with lung disease. PFT's are normally performed by a specialist technician.

Other indications

• Chronic dyspnea
• Asthma
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Restrictive lung disease
• Preoperative testing
• Impairment or disability

Chest X-Ray

Chest X-Ray (CXR) is the most commonly requested X-Ray in medicine and accounts for 50% of all X-Rays performed. It evaluates the lungs, heart and chest wall and can detect medical conditions such as pneumonia, heart failure, emphysema, lung malignancy (cancer) and tuberculosis.

Chest X-Ray (CXR) is typically performed to

• Investigate symptoms such as shortness of breath, chronic and persistent cough, chest pain, chest injury or fever
• To monitor the progress of chronic medical conditions such as cancer or heart failure
• As a screening test for employment, immigration or to join the defence force

Chest X-Ray (CXR) can determine

Lung problems, including:

• Air outside the lung (pneumothorax: with air in the pleural space)
• Infection of the lung (e.g. pneumonia)
• Fluid in the lung (e.g. heart failure)
• Fluid around the lung (pleural effusion)
• Mass in the lung (e.g. lung cancer or infection)

Some heart problems, such as:

• Enlarged heart (cardiomegally)
• Abnormal heart position (e.g. dextrocardia)

Bone Problems of the chest wall, for example:

• Rib fractures
• Collar bone (clavicle) fractures