Lung Function Tests Test
Lung function tests check how well your lungs are working. They measure how much air your lungs can hold, how well you move air in and out, and how well your lungs deliver oxygen to your blood.
What this test measures
Lung function tests measure how much air your lungs can hold, how well you move air in and out when you breathe, and how well your lungs absorb oxygen from the air and move it into your blood. They also check the health of your airways.
What your results mean
Reference ranges vary by laboratory and by your age and sex. MedlinePlus does not publish a single normal range for this test — always read your result against the range printed on your own lab report and discuss it with your provider.
Frequently asked questions
What are lung function tests?
They are a group of tests that check how well your lungs are working, also called pulmonary function tests (PFTs).
What do lung function tests measure?
They measure how much air your lungs can hold, how well you move air in and out, and how well your lungs deliver oxygen to your blood.
What are common types of lung function tests?
Common tests include spirometry, lung volume test (body plethysmography), lung diffusion capacity test, and exercise tests like the six minute walk test.
How are lung function test results interpreted?
Your provider compares your results to healthy people of the same height, age, and sex. Abnormal results may indicate a lung condition.
What conditions can lung function tests help diagnose?
They help diagnose and monitor asthma, COPD, emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, and other diseases that affect the lungs.
Related lab tests
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Lung Function Tests — NIH MedlinePlus
Last updated . Information is aggregated from official public sources and is not a substitute for professional medical care.