Pulmonary Diagnostics Laboratory

Pulmonary Diagnostics Laboratory at Manning Family Children’s

Manning Family Children’s offers comprehensive pulmonary function testing designed specifically for children and adolescents. Our experienced pulmonary team uses advanced testing to evaluate lung function, identify respiratory patterns and monitor children with both common and complex pulmonary conditions.

Testing varies depending on your child’s age and clinical needs. Our team takes a child-friendly approach, helping children feel comfortable while obtaining accurate results.

The information gathered through pulmonary testing helps our specialists better understand your child’s respiratory health and guide personalized treatment and follow-up.

Types of Pulmonary Testing

Spirometry

Spirometry is one of the most common pulmonary function tests. Your child will breathe into a mouthpiece, blowing air out as hard and fast as possible. The test measures how much air your child can exhale and how quickly it comes out. This can help identify blockages or narrowing in the airways.

Spirometry Before and After a Bronchodilator

This test begins with spirometry. Your child is then given a bronchodilator medication, usually albuterol, and the spirometry test is repeated. Comparing the results helps determine whether lung function improves after the medication.

Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO)

A FeNO test measures the amount of nitric oxide in your child’s exhaled breath. Elevated levels may indicate inflammation in the airways and can provide additional information to help the care team evaluate and manage respiratory conditions. During the test, your child will take a deep breath and then exhale slowly and steadily through a mouthpiece.

Body Plethysmography (Lung Volumes)

Lung volume testing measures the total amount of air your child’s lungs can hold. Your child will breathe through a mouthpiece while sitting inside an enclosed space that measures pressure changes during breathing. During the test, your child may be asked to pant gently for a few seconds.

Diffusion Capacity

Diffusion capacity testing measures how easily oxygen moves from the lungs into the bloodstream. Your child will breathe normally through a mouthpiece and then take a deep breath and hold it for a few seconds before exhaling.

Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT)

The Six-Minute Walk Test evaluates physical function and exercise capacity in children with certain chronic lung conditions, including interstitial lung disease, pulmonary hypertension and restrictive lung disease. Your child will walk for six minutes in a designated area while the care team measures the distance walked and monitors vital signs, including heart rate and oxygen saturation.

Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm Testing (EIB)

Exercise-induced bronchospasm testing helps evaluate children who experience recurrent or episodic shortness of breath with exercise, particularly when baseline spirometry is normal or near normal. Testing begins with baseline spirometry. Your child will then exercise on a treadmill to reach a target heart rate and workload. Spirometry is repeated at specific intervals after exercise, and the results are compared with the baseline measurements. Closed-toe, lace-up athletic shoes are required for this test.

Cardiopulmonary Exercise Stress Testing

Cardiopulmonary exercise stress testing combines electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring with metabolic testing during exercise. ECG stickers will be placed on your child, and a mouthpiece will be used to measure breathing. Your child will walk on a treadmill as the speed and incline gradually increase while the care team monitors breathing, heart function and the body’s response to exercise. Closed-toe, lace-up athletic shoes are required for this test.

Sweat Testing

A sweat chloride test is a painless, noninvasive test used to help diagnose cystic fibrosis. The test measures the amount of chloride, or salt, in your child’s sweat. A specially trained respiratory therapist will place a small pilocarpine disc on an area of your child’s arm or leg. A mild electrical current is used for approximately 5½ minutes to stimulate the sweat glands. A collection device is then placed on the skin to collect sweat for approximately 30 minutes. Testing is performed on both sides.

Preparing for a Sweat Test -

• Make sure your child is well hydrated.
• Do not apply lotions, creams or oils to the arms or legs for 24 hours before testing.
• Dress your child comfortably so the arms or legs can be easily accessed.
• Bring a blanket or jacket, if desired.

How Should I Prepare My Child for Pulmonary Function Testing?

Pulmonary function tests are generally not painful or uncomfortable. Depending on the type of test, your child may need to make a maximum effort or follow specific breathing instructions. Children who are unable to understand or follow the instructions may not be able to produce accurate test results.

Testing may be repeated several times to help ensure accurate results.

Before your child’s pulmonary function test:

• Avoid a large or heavy meal before testing.
• Have your child wear loose, comfortable clothing.
• Continue your child’s daily medications unless your care team gives you different instructions.
• If possible, stop using short-acting bronchodilators, or rescue medications, at least six hours before testing, unless otherwise instructed by your care team.

If you have questions about how to prepare for your child’s test or whether your child should take a specific medication before testing, please contact your care team.