Has the spring allergy season made your asthma worse?   For people with problems such as asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the staff at St. Luke’s Hospital’s Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) lab can help!

“We offer a complete range of pulmonary function tests to help patients and their physicians develop an appropriate treatment plan for their breathing difficulties,” says Respiratory Therapy Services Supervisor Christopher Giambruno.  “Our lab features the latest equipment and technology, and we have incorporated educational services into our program along with diagnostic procedures.”

Some of the outpatient services provided include:

• Lung function tests, including testing to measure the level of oxygen in the blood.
• Asthma assessments for children over age 5 to measure how much air the lungs can hold, as well as how effectively the lungs move air in and out.
• COPD assessments (recommended for people over age 40 with a history of smoking or occupational or environmental exposure to irritants).
• Education programs for asthma and COPD.
• Training in the use of medication devices such as “inhalers.”
• Smoking cessation resources and referrals.

Test results are interpreted by a physician and/or pulmonologist and reported to the patient’s physician.  Patients must be referred by their own physician to the lab for testing and educational services, and appointments are required.  If you need to find a physician, please call the St. Luke’s Physician Referral & Information number, (415) 821-DOCS or Find a Physician online. For more information about the PFT lab or to schedule an appointment, please call (415) 641-6565.