Pulmonary Functions

From an insurance standpoint, pulmonary function tests (PFT's) and forced vital capacities (FVC's) are performed to measure the respiratory capability of proposed insureds to ascertain their insurability. PFT's are very extensive and performed in a hospital or clinical setting by a pulmonary specialist (instrument pictured above). These are ordered & performed for differential diagnosis of various forms of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), such as emphysema. Results of these tests are often submitted in court in proving or disputing insurance claims. They are not routinely ordered for life, health or disablity insurance applicants. An FVC is the most widely ordered respiratory test ordered for insurance evaluation. These are particularly ordered for those clients that were, or are currently, tobacco smokers and/or have a history of lung disease or diminished lung capacity. Our state of the art FVC's can be performed on a mobile basis. Unlike most paramedical CO's., we obtain a graphed analysis of all three test results containing multiple parameters on a computer generated 8 1/2 x 11 color printout. Below is a list of parameters our instruments measure and their definitions. In addition, our examiners are trained to give their client the greatest chance to perform to the best of their abilty by practicing and coaching throughout the three required FVC's. Definitions and Terms FEV1 - forced expiratory volume 1 - the volume of air that is forcefully exhaled in one second. FVC - forced vital capacity - the volume of air that can be maximally forcefully exhaled. FEV1/FVC - ratio of FEV1 to FVC, expressed as a percentage. FEF25 - 75 - forced expiratory flow - the average forced expiratory flow during the mid (25 - 75%) portion of the FVC. PEF - peak expiratory flow rate - the peak flow rate during expiration. NOTE: Spirometry (the basis of all respiratory measurement) is typically reported in both absolute values, and as a predicted percentage of normal. Normal values vary depending on gender, race, age, height & weight. It is therefore not possible to interpret PFT's without such information. There is no single set of standard reference values, and "normal" varies with the reference value used in each laboratory. It is therefore important to ensure that the reference formulas in a PFT lab are applicable to the patient population being tested. Prior to every use, BIOSTAT's instruments are calibrated and require that pertinent data (gender, race, age, height & weight) be entered before the instrument will operate. This assures accurate and consistent readings specific per client characteristics.