Department of Internal Medicine
Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Occupational Medicine
Bronchoscopy and Pulmonary
Diagnostic Services
The University of Iowa Pulmonary Function /Exercise Laboratory is a state-of-the-art testing facility utilizing five full pulmonary function stations and cardiopulmonary exercise testing equipment. The Pulmonary Function Laboratory routinely performs spirometry, with and without bronchodilators, measurement of lung volumes, airway resistance, diffusing capacity, and arterial blood gas analysis. The Cardiopulmonary Exercise Laboratory performs modern exercise testing with measurement of maximal oxygen uptake, minute ventilation, anaerobic threshold, etc. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing aids in the evaluation of patients with dyspnea of uncertain etiology, impairment/ disability evaluations, and provides additional information for patients with heart failure being evaluated for cardiac transplantation, and patients with lung cancer being evaluated for lung resection surgery. Excercise tests are also performed to evaluate patients for exercise-induced asthma and oxygen desaturation with exercise/exertion. Specialty services offered include an altitude simulation challenge to evaluate patients with lung disease for plane travel, and performance of direct laryngoscopy during exercise to evaluate upper airway abnormalities which can stimulate asthma. The Pulmonary Function/Exercise Laboratory is staffed by a cadre of experienced respiratory therapists and respiratory technicians and full time by a pulmonologist. 15-20 pulmonary function tests are performed daily, along with 5-7 exercise tests per week.
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