Pulmonary function tests are a group of tests that measure breathing and how well the lungs are functioning. The main tests that will be performed at RJM Diagnostics are Spirometry Pre and post-bronchodilator therapy, Slow volume capacity, Body Plethysmograph, Lung Diffusion, Maximal voluntary Ventilation, and Negative inspiratory force.

• SPIROMETRY
Spirometry is a common breathing test that measures the maximum force of a patient’s breath after inhalation and exhalation. Patients with asthma or other breathing problems will perform spirometry pre- and post-bronchodilator in order to examine the effectiveness of the medication on their breathing problems.

• SLOW VITAL CAPACITY
A slow vital capacity (SVC) is the volume of air expired, but this time through an unforced maneuver.
Although the slow vital capacity spirometry test might seem similar to other spirometry tests, it is very important for a few reasons. Most vitally, it can be used to determine if there is airway obstruction, and this information can then use to determine how to solve some breathing issues.

• BODY PLETHYSMOGRAPH
Plethysmography is used to measure changes in volume in different parts of the body. The test may be done to check for blood clots in the arms and legs. It is also done to measure how much air you can hold in your lungs.

• LUNG DIFFUSION
The DLCO measures the ability of the lungs to transfer gas from inhaled air to the red blood cells in pulmonary capillaries.

• MAXIMAL VOLUNTARY VENTILATION
Maximal Voluntary Ventilation (MVV) is a spirometry test that measures the largest volume that can be moved into and out of the lungs during a 10-15 second interval with voluntary effort. MVV may indicate insufficient neuromuscular reserve, abnormal respiratory mechanics, or an inadequate effort.

• NEGATIVE INSPIRATORY PRESSURE AND MAXIMUM EXPIRATORY PRESSURE
The respiratory muscle strength is assessed with the maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP); also called negative inspiratory force (NIF) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP). The MIP reveals the strength of the diaphragm and other inspiratory muscles, whereas the MEP indicates the strength of the abdominal and other expiratory muscles.

Respiratory therapy is a field of treatment that helps individuals optimize their respiratory function, breathe more easily, and live more comfortably. Respiratory therapy involves a combination of treatments, education, and exercise programs, some of their approaches are:

• BRONCHODILATOR THERAPY
Bronchodilators are a type of medication that make breathing easier by relaxing the muscles in the lungs and widening the airways (bronchi). They’re often used to treat long-term conditions where the airways may become narrow and inflamed.

• HYPERINFLATION THERAPY
This is a very common therapy performed on patients who have some sort of respiratory distress. The therapy involves applying volumes greater than normal to reinflate the collapsed alveoli in the lungs. There are many different techniques available to use, therefore the respiratory therapist typically decides which method is best for each patient.

• BRONCHIAL HYGIENE THERAPY
To prevent respiratory complications and treat pulmonary infections you must have a clear patent airway. Bronchial hygiene therapy is a broad term used to describe various airway clearance techniques: chest physiotherapy (which consists of percussion, vibration, coughing, and suctioning), breathing exercises (such as huffing and diaphragmatic breathing used in spontaneously breathing patients) Here at RJM Diagnostics we have the patience and equipment needed to achieve your goals for pulmonary hygiene. We have a Vest Oscillator and multiple hand devices, as well as proper techniques to help you expectorate, clear, and maintain your airway patent.

• RESPIRATORY EDUCATION
Every patient dealing with a chronic disease needs information and education. And that’s especially true for those struggling to cope with a chronic disease that affects the ability to breathe. When taking that next breath no longer comes quite as naturally as it once did, people have questions, and they want answers.

The methacholine challenge test (bronchoprovocation test) is a method of assessing airway responsiveness. The purpose of a methacholine challenge test is to determine the amount of airway irritability in a patient. You will be asked to inhale a mist that contains different concentrations of methacholine. The mist is produced by a device called a nebulizer and inhaled through a mouthpiece. Results of pulmonary function tests performed before and after inhalations are used to quantitate response. The test usually takes about an hour.