Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) is a way of assessing your general fitness, especially that of your heart and lungs. It involves pedaling an exercise bike while we monitor your heart and breathing with special equipment. We will measure how much air you breathe, how much oxygen you need and how fast and efficiently your heart beats.
The test takes 120 minutes.
Special Preparations: (day of test)
- Arrive 15 minutes early to your appointment
- Bring your insurance card
- Ensure that you are well rested and adequately hydrated on the morning of the test
- Avoid a full stomach by not eating 3 hours before test
- Wear sturdy shoes such as sneakers suitable for exercise; no sandals
- Wear loose fitting or comfortable clothing suitable for exercise that will permit you to move your legs freely.
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco for at least 4 hours before the test.
- It is important that you take all of your prescribed medication as normal on the day of your test
- If you use an inhaler, please bring it with you
- Do not exercise for 24 hours prior to the test
- Do not apply skin lotion the day of testing (prevents heart monitor pads from sticking)
- No lipstick, lip balm or chap-stick
- No unwire bras (preferably sports bra)
- Remove any nail polish on your fingers (for quality pulse oximetry readings)
The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) will take about 30 min to complete, and helps determine your aerobic endurance.
You will walk on a flat walking course; you will walk as far as you can in those 6 minutes.
Your therapist will carefully monitor you throughout the walk.
Special Preparations (day of test):
- Please arrive 15 minutes early to your appointment
- Be sure to bring your insurance card
- Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for exercise. We will ask you to remove your shoes temporarily to obtain an accurate height.
- Be sure to bring your usual walking aid (cane or walker)
- If you use oxygen for walking be sure to bring it with you
- Be sure to remove any finger nail polish (for quality pulse oximetry readings)
- 2 hours prior to test: avoid strenuous exercise & avoid eating large a meal
- Use all regular medications on your normal daily schedule
- Refrain from eating a large meal within 1 hour of the test
Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) are a group of tests that measure how well your lungs work. This includes how well you are able to breathe and how effectively your lungs are able to bring oxygen to the rest of your body. Your doctor may order these tests if you are having symptoms of lung problems.
The test will take about 60 minutes.
Special Preparations (day of test):
- Please arrive 15 minutes early to your appointment
- Be sure to bring your insurance card
- Avoid eating a large meal within 2 hours prior to testing
- Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for exercise. We will ask you to remove your shoes temporarily to obtain an accurate height.
- If this is your first PFT with Evergreen Healthcare refrain from using any inhaled respiratory maintenance medications for 24 hours prior to testing. For 6 hours prior to testing, please refrain from using any inhaled rescue inhalers such as albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil, Proair, ProAir, Maxair, Alupent, Xopenex) and ipratropium (Atrovent, Combivent).
- If this is a repeat PFT with Evergreen Pulmonary Care for you, continue to use any maintenance inhalers as prescribed. For 6 hours prior to testing, please refrain from using any inhaled rescue inhalers such as albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil, Proair, ProAir, Maxair, Alupent, Xopenex) and ipratropium (Atrovent, Combivent).
- 1 hour prior to testing: avoid rigorous exercise.
- Do not consume alcohol or smoke within 4 hours of testing
Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) are a group of tests that measure how well your lungs work. This includes how well you are able to breathe and how effectively your lungs are able to bring oxygen to the rest of your body. Your doctor may order these tests if you are having symptoms of lung problems.
The COPD bundle will take about 90 minutes to complete.
Special Preparations (day of test):
- Please arrive 15 minutes early to your appointment
- Be sure to bring your insurance card
- Avoid eating a large meal within 2 hours prior to testing
- Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for exercise. We will ask you to remove your shoes temporarily to obtain an accurate height.
- If this is your first PFT with Evergreen Healthcare refrain from using any inhaled respiratory maintenance medications for 24 hours prior to testing. For 6 hours prior to testing, please refrain from using any inhaled rescue inhalers such as albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil, Proair, ProAir, Maxair, Alupent, Xopenex) and ipratropium (Atrovent, Combivent).
- If this is a repeat PFT with Evergreen Pulmonary Care for you, continue to use any maintenance inhalers as prescribed. For 6 hours prior to testing, please refrain from using any inhaled rescue inhalers such as albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil, Proair, ProAir, Maxair, Alupent, Xopenex) and ipratropium (Atrovent, Combivent).
- 1 hour prior to testing: avoid rigorous exercise.
- Do not consume alcohol or smoke within 4 hours of testing.
- Be sure to remove any finger nail polish (for quality pulse oximetry readings)
Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) are a group of tests that measure how well your lungs work. This includes how well you are able to breathe and how effective your lungs are able to bring oxygen to the rest of your body. Your doctor may order these tests if you are having symptoms of lung problems.
The pulmonary function test will take about 45 minutes to complete.
Special Preparations (day of test):
- Arrive 15 minutes early to your appointment
- Be sure to bring your insurance card
- Avoid eating a large meal within 2 hours prior to testing
- Wear comfortable loose clothing, shoes which are easily removed. We will ask you to remove your shoes temporarily to obtain an accurate height.
- If this is your first PFT with Evergreen Healthcare refrain from using any inhaled respiratory maintenance medications for 24 hours prior to testing. For 6 hours prior to testing, please refrain from using any inhaled rescue inhalers such as albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil, Proair, ProAir, Maxair, Alupent, Xopenex) and ipratropium (Atrovent, Combivent).
- If this is a repeat PFT with Evergreen Pulmonary Care for you, continue to use any maintenance inhalers as prescribed. For 6 hours prior to testing, please refrain from using any inhaled rescue inhalers such as albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil, Proair, ProAir, Maxair, Alupent, Xopenex) and ipratropium (Atrovent, Combivent).
- 1 hour prior to testing: avoid rigorous exercise.
- Do not consume alcohol or smoke within 4 hours of testing.
Spirometry is a common breathing test that measures the maximum force of a patient's breath after inhalation and exhalation. Patients with a variety of breathing problems may perform spirometry pre- and post-bronchodilator in order to examine the effectiveness of the medication on their breathing problems.
Special Preparations (day of test)
- Please arrive 15 minutes early to your appointment
- Be sure to bring your insurance card
- Avoid eating a large meal within 2 hours prior to testing
- Wear comfortable loose clothing, shoes which are easily removed. We will ask you to remove your shoes temporarily to obtain an accurate height.
- If this is your first PFT with Evergreen Healthcare refrain from using any inhaled respiratory maintenance medications for 24 hours prior to testing. For 6 hours prior to testing, please refrain from using any inhaled rescue inhalers such as albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil, Proair, ProAir, Maxair, Alupent, Xopenex) and ipratropium (Atrovent, Combivent).
- If this is a repeat PFT with Evergreen Pulmonary Care for you, continue to use any maintenance inhalers as prescribed. For 6 hours prior to testing, please refrain from using any inhaled rescue inhalers such as albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil, Proair, ProAir, Maxair, Alupent, Xopenex) and ipratropium (Atrovent, Combivent).
- 1 hour prior to testing: avoid rigorous exercise.
- Do not consume alcohol or smoke within 4 hours of testing.
Spirometry is a common breathing test that measures the maximum force of a patient's breath after inhalation and exhalation.
Special Preparations (day of test)
- Please arrive 15 minutes early to your appointment
- Be sure to bring your insurance card
- Avoid eating a large meal less than 2 hours prior to testing
- Wear comfortable loose clothing, shoes which are easily removed. We will ask you to remove your shoes temporarily to obtain an accurate height.
- Please continue to take taking all of your respiratory medications as prescribed (unless otherwise instructed)
- 1 hour prior to testing: avoid rigorous exercise.
- Do not consume alcohol or smoke within 4 hours of testing.
An ABG is a blood test that measures the acidity, or pH, and the levels of oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) from an artery. The test is used to check the function of the patient's lungs and how well they are able to move in oxygen and remove carbon dioxide.
Special Preparations (day of test):
- Please arrive 15 minutes early to your appointment
- Be sure to bring your insurance card
A sensor is placed on the end of your finger or earlobe to monitor your oxygen level during rest and walking exercise. This will help determine the amount of oxygen you need (if any).
This test will take approximately 30 minutes.
Special Preparations (day of test:
- Please arrive 15 minutes early to your appointment
- Be sure to bring your insurance card and any physician orders
- Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for exercise. We will ask you to remove your shoes temporarily to obtain an accurate height.
- Be sure to bring any necessary walking aids (cane or walker)
- Refrain from eating a large meal within 1 hour of the test.
- Be sure to remove any finger nail polish (for quality pulse oximetry readings)
This is a test that has been ordered by your physician to determine how much additional oxygen, if any, you may need when flying or traveling to high altitudes. Someone with lung disease may have increased oxygen needs under such conditions.
This test will take approximately 45 minutes.
Special Preparations (day of test):
- Please arrive 15 minutes early to your appointment
- Be sure to bring your insurance card
- If already on home oxygen, be sure to wear it to appointment
- Take all medications as prescribed (unless instructed otherwise)
- Be sure to remove any finger nail polish (for quality pulse oximetry readings)
- 4 hours prior to testing **be sure to avoid: rigorous exercise and smoking
- Wear comfortable loose clothing, and comfortable shoes which are easily removed. We will ask you to remove your shoes temporarily to obtain an accurate height. We may ask you to walk for several minutes in place during the test
In order to qualify (or re-qualify) you for oxygen, we must be able to document the need for it. We will monitor your oxygen saturation first with no additional oxygen and if need be we may ask you to walk or exercise for a short period of time if indicated. If your oxygen level drops below the established level, we will place you on oxygen and insure you can maintain an appropriate saturation level.
Special Preparations (day of test):
- Arrive 15 minutes early to your appointment
- Be sure to bring your insurance card and any physician orders
- If already on home oxygen, be sure to wear it to appointment
- Bring any walking aids (walker cane etc.) to the appointment, walking may be necessary.
- Refrain from eating a large meal within 1 hour of the test.
- Take all medications as prescribed (unless instructed otherwise)
- Be sure to remove any finger nail polish (for quality pulse oximetry readings)
- Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for exercise. We will
ask you to remove your shoes temporarily to obtain an accurate height
In order to diagnose Sleep Apnea or other sleep disorders, a patient must undergo a polysomnography (sleep study). However, today with technological advancements a polysomnography can be performed in the convenience of a person's own home and is called a home sleep study or a home sleep test.
Special Preparations (day of test):
- Arrive 15 minutes early to your appointment
- Be sure to bring your insurance card
- Be sure to remove any nail polish for the test (for quality pulse oximetry readings)
- Instructions how to actually do the test: When you pick up your home sleep test equipment you will be instructed how to put on elastic belts and an oxygen probe. Written instruction will also be provided. We will ask you to return the home sleep test the following business day
This test measures oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide at rest to determine your metabolic rate. You will be asked to rest comfortably on a bed next to the equipment. A mask will be fitted. A finger sensor will be used to monitor oxygen levels and heart rate.
For best results, being in a very relaxed state for 20-30 minutes will provide your physician with useful information related to your caloric requirements.
Special Preparations:
- Avoid eating or drinking beverages that contain calories or caffeine for 2-4 hours prior to the test.
- Avoid exercising for up to 24 hours prior to the test.
- Avoid nicotine consumption for at least 1-2 hours prior to the test.
- Avoid taking nutritional supplements and medication that contain ephedra or pseudoephedrine for at least 2 hours prior to the test.
- No caffeine or caffeinated beverages for at least 4 hours.
- Avoid any moderate exercise for 2 hours
- Dress in comfortable clothing try to remain relaxed, if possible be driven to your appointment.
A methacholine (meth-a-KOLE-leen) challenge test (also known as a bronchial or Provocholine® challenge test) is a breathing test that evaluates your lung function. It is used to check for asthma (reactive airway disease) in patients who have a cough, shortness of breath, or other breathing problems.
Methacholine is a medication that causes your airways to narrow if you have asthma (reactive airways).
During the test, you will breathe in small amounts of methacholine and your lung function will be measured.
Special Preparations:
- You will need to stop taking certain medications before your test. The table below lists when you should stop taking them. Call your doctor if you have any concerns about stopping these medications. If you develop any problems after stopping a medication, please call your doctor.
- If you take any other medications for your lungs or for breathing problems that are not listed below, tell your doctor or nurse for instructions.
- Keep taking all your other medications that are not for breathing problems or your lungs.
Medications to Withhold:
To prepare for the test you MUST avoid certain medicines that can affect the test. Strict adherence to withholding certain medications is an important part of this test.
3 days prior to the test
Hydroxazine, cetirizine
72 hours prior to the test
Long-acting inhaled anticholinergic bronchodilators, such as tiotropium
48 hours prior to the test
Long-acting inhaled bronchodilators, such as salmeterol, formoterol, indacterol, vilanterol
Long-acting theophyllines
Nedocromil
24 hours prior to the test
Medium-acting inhaled bronchodilators, such as ipratropium
Intermediate theophyllines
Long-acting beta2 agonist tablets
Leukotriene modifiers, such as montelukast, zileutin, zarfirukast
12 hours prior to the test
Liguid theophylline
Standard beta2 agonist tablets
8 hours prior to the test
Cromolyn sodium
Short-acting inhaled bronchodilators, such as albuterol, terbutaline
Antihistamines, such as fexofenadine (Allegra), desloratadine (Claritin)
Day of the test
Coffee, tea, cola drinks, chocolate
Do not stop your inhaled corticosteroids or prednisone. You may take these medicines, even on the day of the test.
