Pulmonary Function Testing

Purpose:

• To provide an accurate assessment of an individual’s respiratory status. 

• To determine the type and extent of lung disease. 

• To monitor existing lung disease.

• To aid employers in complying with legislative policies and compensation reports.

• To assist employers in providing educational programs regarding the use of Respiratory Protective Equipment.

Tests:

Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)

Vital capacity is the maximal volume of air a person can exhale. Forced vital capacity is the maximum volume of air exhaled as forcefully as possible. A low measurement is an indication of possible lung disease.

Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV1, FEV2, FEV3)

This test is a more accurate determination of obstructive airway disease and can be measured in 1 second, 2 second and 3-second intervals. 

Mid Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate (MMEF)

This test is used for determining the non-effort aspect of expiration and is used primarily for assessing the health of workers exposed to organic dusts. 

FEV/FVC Comparison

This is a comparison of the two tests expressed in a percentage and is used to determine restrictive types of lung problems such as those involved with workers who are exposed to free silica or asbestos dust.

General Comments:

Spirometry testing is the most suitable screening test available for determining the presence of lung disease. Most pulmonary function tests are performed in conjunction with chest x-rays. Daltec Occupational Health offers MOBILE services for both the pulmonary function tests as well as the chest x-rays. Tests are performed by certified pulmonary function technicians and registered radiology technicians under the supervision of a Radiologist who is responsible for quality control as well as interpretation and reporting of the x-rays.

Occupations Requiring Routine
Pulmonary Function Testing:

Group One:

• Brick & Tile Manufacturers 

• Hard Rock Miners

• Coal Workers 

• Pottery & Ceramics Manufacturers

• Concrete Manufacturers 

• Rock and Gravel Crushers

• Foundry Workers 

• Sandblasters

• Steel Manufacturers 

• Glass Makers

Group Two

Includes all occupations involving exposure of the worker, either directly or indirectly to asbestos or its by- products:

• Asbestos removers Drywallers

• Automotive (Brake, Clutch Workers) Cement Workers

• Demolition Workers Pavement Layers

Group Three

Includes all occupations, which involve exposure of the worker to Organic Dusts.

Reporting Procedures:

Once the pulmonary function (spirometry) test is completed, the results can immediately be interpreted by one of Daltec Health’s certified pulmonary function technicians, thus the employee can be apprised of his status within minutes.

The company receives a comprehensive computer generated letter indicating the names of those employees who fit into a series of categories, i.e. normal, slightly below normal, moderate obstruction, or severe obstruction. Individual employees receive a personalized letter detailing his/her medical results; any employee with moderate to severe obstruction is referred to his/her own physician for follow-up testing.

If you are interested in learning more about our services, costs, and other details, please feel free to contact us by e-mail or telephone. We look forward to being of service to your company!