A unit that ensures physiological evaluation of the respiratory system, the Respiratory Laboratory of Koç University Hospital runs respiratory function tests for the purpose of determining diagnoses and differential diagnoses of pulmonary conditions. Response of diseases to treatment, preoperative respiratory risk and physical incapacity are evaluated by means of tests performed at our laboratory as well. 

All basic spirometry measurements as well as advanced evaluations can be conducted at our laboratory. 
 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The standard tests performed at our laboratory are as follows: 
  • Spirometry, reversibility test;
  • Methacholine bronchial provocation test;
  • Diffusing capacity of lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO test);
  • Pulmonary volume measurement by body plethysmography;
  • Impulse oscillometry; 
  • Intrathoracic pressure measurement (MIP, MEP);
  • Cardiopulmonary exercise test (KPET);
  • Exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) measurement; 
  • 6-minute walk test;
  • Arterial blood gas analysis.

Spirometry and Reversibility (response to bronchodilators) Test

This is a test where pulmonary functions are measured with a device called spirometer. When necessary, a short-acting bronchodilator is inhaled to measure the level of obstruction in the airway and response to the bronchodilator (reversibility). There may be some drugs that your physician may ask you to discontinue prior to starting the reversibility test. This test is used for the purposes of diagnosing specific respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and also for following up on response to treatment. This respiratory function test can be performed during the working hours without having to schedule an appointment beforehand. 


Methacholine Bronchial Provocation Test

This test is performed to detect airway hypersensitivity among individuals, whose conditions suggest asthma, yet there is no respiratory function test finding supportive of this diagnosis. Some medications may need to be discontinued. Make sue that you consult your physician prior to the provocation test in this regard. The methacholine bronchial provocation test is performed after scheduling an appointment in advance.


Diffusing Capacity of Lung for Carbon Monoxide (DLCO Test)

DLCO is a test that assesses gas exchange in lungs. It is primarily practiced to diagnose and follow up on some respiratory conditions like interstitial lung disease, and also as a means of preoperative evaluation. A small amount of (0.3%) CO is inhaled during this test to calculate the lungs’ diffusing capacity. Stopping smoking 24 hours in advance is recommended, as it would otherwise increase the presence of CO in alveoli. A blood count may be requested before the test so as to identify the patient’s current hemoglobin level. DLCO test can be performed during the working hours without having to schedule an appointment beforehand.


Pulmonary Volume Measurement by Body Plethysmography

This is a test method for evaluation of lung volumes. Thanks to use of advanced devices, it can be performed within a brief period of time during normal respiration. This test requires scheduling an appointment in advance. 


Intrathoracic Pressure Measurement (MIP, MEP)

This test is performed in case there is a suspected weakness of respiratory muscles or for the purpose of diagnosing and following up on muscular diseases. Maximum inspiration pressure (MIP) is used as an indicator of inspiratory muscle strength and maximum expiration pressure (MEP) as an indicator of strength in abdominal and other expiratory muscles. Intrathoracic pressure measurements can be conducted during working hours without scheduling an appointment beforehand. 


Six-minute Walk Test

A very simple way of evaluating cardiopulmonary and functional capacity, this test displays efficiency of current treatment and prognosis. It basically requires the patient to walk as long as they can on a predetermined path within six minutes without utilizing any specific equipment. Prior to starting and after completion of the test, blood pressure, fingertip oxygen saturation, heart rate and dyspnea parameters are monitored. If deemed necessary, the patient walks under oxygen support. Data collected by the end of the test are compiled into a report. The six-minute walk test can be conducted during working hours without scheduling an appointment beforehand.  


Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (VO2 Max test)

This test, which enables differential diagnosis of dyspnea and preoperative evaluation of pulmonary and cardiac capacity, is performed on a stationary bike and under standard exercise protocols. It can be required for differential diagnosis of pulmonary diseases, in cases of vascular diseases and their follow-up (pulmonary arterial hypertension), cardiac diseases, muscle diseases, preoperative evaluation and evaluation for incapacity. 

Specific preparations should be made for this test. One is recommended to wear comfortable clothing, avoid smoking and caffeinated beverages, and start fasting two hours in advance. Bringing along all previous respiratory function tests, chest x-rays, tomography scans, lab results, consultations notes and investigation results like ECG and echocardiogram is also recommended. If you are on an inhaler, you should take your dose on time before arriving for the test. Contact your physician and our laboratory, if you are on a beta blocker or calcium channel blocker (heart rate regulators). This test requires an appointment. 


Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FENO) Measurement

FENO is a test procedure that measures non-microbial inflammation in the airways. FENO may be used for COPD and asthma patients and also patients presenting with chronic coughing. It is a simple measurement made by performing a 10-12-second exhalation maneuver. FENO measurement can be conducted during working hours without scheduling an appointment beforehand.
In addition to performing routine laboratory services, our laboratory trains medical faculty students and assistants. 
Respiratory function training courses are also organized in regular intervals prior to and after graduation periods for pulmonology specialists, assistants and laboratory technicians.