Hours of Operation
Monday | 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Tuesday | 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Wednesday | 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Thursday | 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Friday | 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Saturday | Closed |
Sunday | Closed |
Statutory Holidays | Closed |
Appointments are required.
(6 years old and up)
Tel: 416-461-9471 x 3001
Fax: 416-645-2534
Why has my doctor ordered this test?
There are many different reasons why pulmonary function tests (PFTs) may be done. Your doctor needs help to diagnose you with a health problem such as allergies, respiratory infections, trouble breathing, chronic lung conditions, such as asthma, bronchiectasis, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis, restrictive airway problems from scoliosis, tumors, or inflammation or scarring of the lungs, sarcoidosis, a disease that causes lumps of inflammatory cells around organs, such as the liver, lungs, and spleen and scleroderma, a disease that causes thickening and hardening of connective tissue.
There are a number of reasons why a pulmonary function test might be recommended – ranging from an initial diagnostic evaluation, to following the progression of an existing lung disease, or to determine clinical response to treatment. In addition, pulmonary function testing is commonly required as part of a preoperative surgical evaluation. A PFT is often needed to assess how well your lungs are functioning, to be able to identify and optimize any physiologic derangements, in order to reduce perioperative pulmonary risks.
Another use of PFTs is to assess treatment for asthma, emphysema, and other chronic lung problems.
How long is the test?
The time slot for a full PFT appointment is 45min while spirometry tests are booked for 30 minutes. Keep in mind that the length of the test is often dependent on effort and technique in performing each breathing manoeuver.
Because pulmonary function testing is not an invasive procedure, it is safe and quick for most people. You must be able to follow clear, simple directions.
What happens during the test?
- You’ll sit in a chair. A soft clip will be put on your nose. This is so all of your breathing is done through your mouth, not your nose.
- You’ll be given a sterile mouthpiece that is attached to a spirometer.
- You’ll form a tight seal over the mouthpiece with your mouth. You’ll be instructed to inhale and exhale in different ways.
- You will be watched carefully during the procedure for dizziness, trouble breathing, or other problems.
- You may be given a bronchodilator after certain tests. The tests will then be repeated several minutes later, after the bronchodilator has taken effect.
- You will be asked to perform a series of breathing tests through a plastic mouthpiece. To meet proper testing criteria, the technician will ask you to perform each test for a minimum of three trials. You will be instructed/coached by the technician throughout the entire test.
What happens after the test?
If you have a history of lung or breathing problems, you may be tired after the tests. You will be given a chance to rest afterwards.
Normal values for PFTs vary from person to person. The amount of air inhaled and exhaled in your test results are compared to the average for someone of the same age, height, sex, and race. Results are also compared to any of your previous test results.
Pulmonary function testing reveals multiple things, including:
- Lung volumes – how much air the lungs can hold at any given time throughout the respiratory cycle
- Lung capacity – how much air the lungs can exchange at the end of maximal inspiration (after inhaling as deeply as possible)
- Airflow rates – how quickly you can move air in and out of the lungs
- Gas exchange – how well your lungs are able to transport gas across lung tissue, into the circulatory system, and back out again
Based on the information gathered during a PFT, the Respirologist can diagnose new lung disorders or evaluate the progression of existing lung conditions, such as Asthma, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including chronic or asthmatic bronchitis and other smoking-related diseases, Emphysema, Pulmonary fibrosis, Inflammatory lung diseases, Pulmonary vascular disorders or Neuromuscular disorders.
If you have abnormal PFT measurements or if your results have changed, you may need other tests.
How long will it take to get my test results?
48-72 hours