Pulmonary Lung Function Testing (PFT)
A complete pulmonary lung function test takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes to complete. You will be asked to breathe into a tube called a spirometer that records the amount of air and the rate of air breathed over a specific period of time. The test may include before and after taking certain medications.
For more information on Pulmonary Function Testing, please call 978-630-6548.
Patient Instructions for Procedures
Medications to be held before Methacholine challenge testing.
Medication – Duration of time to hold
- Short-acting inhaled beta agonists (e.g. albuterol) - 6 hours
- Long-acting inhaled beta agonists combinations (e.g., Advair, Symbicort, Dulera,
Wixela, Bevespi, Breztri) - 36 hours - Ultra–long-acting beta agonists combinations (e.g., Breo, Anoro) - 48 hours
- Short-acting anticholinergics (e.g., Atrovent, ipratropium) - 12 hours
- Long-acting anticholinergics (e.g., Spiriva, Incruse, Tudorza) – 1 week
Oral theophylline – 12 to 24 hours
Medications to be held before standard PFTs
- Medication – Duration of time to hold
- Short-acting inhaled beta agonists (e.g. albuterol) - 6 hours
- Short-acting anticholinergics (e.g., Atrovent, ipratropium) - 6 hours
- Long-acting beta agonists (e.g., Advair, Symbicort, Dulera, Wixela, Bevespi,
Breztri) - 12 hours - Ultra long-acting agents (e.g., Spiriva, Incruse, Breo, Anoro) - 24 hours
Please talk to your MD before your PFT if you have any of the following:
- Heart attack (myocardial infarction) within the last month
- Recent eye surgery within 1 week to 6 months (depends on type of surgery)
- Recent brain surgery or injury within 3 to 6 weeks
- Lung collapse (pneumothorax within 2 weeks
- Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
- Aortic (thoracic, abdominal) or cerebral (brain) aneurysms Lung biopsy within previous week
Other Instructions
- Do not smoke or vape for at least 1 hour before the test.
- Do not restrict chest expansion with tight fitting clothing (e.g., belts or vests).
- Avoid vigorous exercise 1 hour before testing.
- Do not consume intoxicants 8 hours before testing.
Note: Caffeine and caffeine-related products will not have an effect on your
testing