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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How do I make an appointment to be tested?
Q2: How do I change the time or location of my appointment?
Q3: What do I do if I am going to be late or unable to make my appointment?
Q4: How much time will my testing take?
Q5: How do I need to prepare for my testing?
Q6: What will my testing session be like?
Q1: How do I make an appointment to be tested?
Appointments for testing are made through your physician's office or clinic. If you have concerns
about your breathing, voice these concerns to your personal physician. Your physician will be able to
assure the appropriate assessment is made for your care.
Pulmonary diagnostic tests are carefully selected by your physician or a specialist physician.
Q2: How do I change the time or location of my appointment?
Please call Sparrow Central Scheduling at 517.364.3659 to make any changes in your appointment time or
location.
Q3: What do I do if I am going to be late or unable to make my appointment?
As soon as possible, please call Sparrow Central Scheduling at 517.364.3659 to notify our laboratories
of your situation. The Scheduling Specialist may be able to reschedule your appointment at that time.
If you are unable to give prior notification of your absence, notify your physician's office as soon as
you are able. They will assist you in rescheduling and your physician will have the opportunity to
review your current therapy, without the test data, to assess the needs of temporary adjustment in your
treatment regiment.
Q4: How much time will my testing take?
In general, most of our pulmonary function tests require about an hour from the time you begin the test.
Cardio Pulmonary Exercise Test and Broncho Pulmonary Challenge require closer to one and one half to two
hours to complete comfortably.
Each pulmonary function test has been found to have specific minimum time which must be allotted for
successful completion. The actual time required for completion may be altered by your performance or
equipment requirements.
When your test is ordered, an average time estimate for completion is given to the ordering nurse at your
physician's office. Ask the nurse for this estimated time.
Q5: How do I need to prepare for my testing?
In general:
- Attempt to arrive rested.
- If you are required to eat before your testing, eat or drink only a modest meal that will not restrict your maximal breathing efforts.
- Check with your physician about the use of any inhalers or other bronchodilator medications prior to your test. Some tests require you to abstain from these medications for several hours before testing begins for the most accurate results.
The nature of the testing ordered will dictate any preparation required for your testing session. The ordering nurse, from your physician's office, is given the instructions for any special requirements associated with your tests. Ask about any specific requirements.
Q6: What will my testing session be like?
In general:
- You will be seated in a specially designed testing chamber for your session.
- You will be given very specific instructions on a series of breathing maneuvers to perform during the test.
- Many of the breathing maneuvers will require that you attempt to give your maximum effort in following the instructions. You will be required to blow out as hard and fast as you can for 10 seconds. You may be required to hold your breath for 10 seconds.
- Most tests require that they be repeated several times to assure maximum accuracy.
- The Technologist will be there continuously to assist you.
- Some tests require a blood sample from a finger poke.
Each pulmonary function test is slightly different in nature from the others. For specific details about your test, voice your questions to your physician when the test is ordered.
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