• Arterial blood gases (ABGs): The ABG is the most precise way to determine how well the lungs transfer oxygen into the blood and how well the lungs remove carbon dioxide. Blood is drawn from an artery and then analyzed to determine the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.

     
  • Body plethysmography (lung volume studies): Test used to measure the amount of air a patient breathes in and out and the amount of air remaining in the lungs after the patient exhales.

     
  • Chest X-rays: Procedure used to take a picture of the lungs, heart and major blood vessels. The test is effective in helping diagnosis conditions such as pneumonia.

     
  • CT scan: A CT Scan uses an x-ray sensing unit that circles the body and creates image slices of the inside of the body. A computer pieces together these images to produce three-dimensional images of your body including your lungs.

     
  • Diffusion studies: Tests used to determine how well the lungs take in air and move the oxygen into the bloodstream. The test is performed by asking the patient to breathe in and out through a mouthpiece connected to the testing machine.

     
  • Exercise test: Test performed while a patient exercises on a bike or treadmill and breathes into a machine via a mouthpiece. The machine then measures how much effort it takes to exercise. The amount of exercise will depend on the physical fitness of the patient.

     
  • Oximetry testing: Test done by placing a small strap around your finger and using light to measure the oxygen level in the red blood cells.

     
  • Pulmonary function tests: Breathing tests which help determine the patient's lung function compared to other people with normal lungs.

     
  • Spirometry: Test done by having a patient breathe into a tube connected to a machine which measures the amount of air you move in and out of your lungs and how well the air moves.

If you or someone you know could benefit from the University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program please call 440-285-6377 to request an evaluation. We will be happy to help you get the necessary physician referral.