Lung Function Testing

Man holding a spirometer mouthpiece and nose clip, performing a pulmonary function test to assess lung health and respiratory function.

Pulmonary function tests are used in medicine to test the function of the lungs or to diagnose lung diseases. In addition to the various volumes, specific gases can also be analyzed here.

Widely known methods mainly use flow and pressure measurements to determine volumes. However, there are some tests that use gases in addition. Most often these are tracer gases. Specific lung functions can be checked in more detail, which often allows to indicate diseases. Depending on the application, a variety of gases are used.

Ergospirometry

Ergospirometry combines the measurement of cardiovascular and pulmonary parameters under physical stress. This method allows us to describe the physical performance of a patient in great detail.

Woman wearing a breathing mask undergoes a metabolic or cardiopulmonary exercise test on a stationary bike, monitored by a trainer collecting data on a computer.

Cardiovascular parameters include heart rate, blood pressure and pulse. Pulmonary parameters include respiratory rate, oxygen (O₂) and carbon dioxide (CO₂). By measuring these respiratory gases, the consumption of oxygen and the production of carbon dioxide during physical exertion can be calculated. In comparison with reference values, this provides the anaerobic threshold. Above this threshold, glucose is no longer completely burned for physical activity and lactate (lactic acid) is produced. In this state, the muscle reaches its performance limit.

Diffusing Capacity for Carbon Monoxid (DLCO)

Diffusion capacity tests the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the lungs and the bloodstream. Patients inhale sample air containing a small amount of carbon monoxide (CO).

Illustration of alveolar gas exchange: oxygen (O₂) moves from air in the alveolus to blood in capillaries, while carbon dioxide (CO₂) moves from blood to the alveolus for exhalation.

The CO now enters the blood via the alveoli. Similar to oxygen, the CO binds to the red blood pigment hemoglobin. The amount of CO absorbed into the blood is calculated quite simply from the amount of CO remaining in the exhaled air. If helium (He) or methane (CH4) is also added to the sample, the residual volume can be determined.

Lung Clearance Index (LCI)

The LCI value indicates the multiple of the lung volume that must be converted for complete gas exchange in the lungs. In this procedure, an inert marker gas is washed into the lungs via respiration and washed out again once a state of equilibrium has been reached.

Glowing anatomical illustration showing the human chest and lungs, highlighting the bronchial tree and branches within the rib cage.

(Explanation: Inert gases, also known as protective gases, do not undergo any chemical reactions, or hardly any. Particularly suitable for this purpose are gases which exist only in atomic form or which, due to their chemical properties, are not capable of reacting with other substances). The marker gas typically used is sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). During the washout process, the concentration of SF6 in the breath decreases with each breath. Pathological changes lead to a prolonged washout process. This procedure is now being used very successfully in the early detection of cystic fibrosis patients and to guide their therapy.

Optical Measurement Technology for Precise Diagnostics

Optical measurement technology offers decisive advantages for all these diagnostic procedures. For example, the gases are measured without contact and always precisely matched to the respective target gas. Any influence on other gases in the breath can therefore usually be ruled out.

Handheld digital spirometer with disposable mouthpiece, used to measure lung function and airflow for respiratory health assessment.

Any influence on other gases in the breath can therefore usually be ruled out. No warm-up time is necessary, which is why these systems are ready for immediate use and provide measurements in real time. In addition, optical spectroscopy systems require very little maintenance. This ensures long-term reliable operation without frequent calibrations. With the LGD OEM module, Axetris offers both a ready-to-use system for integration and, with the infrared source, a powerful component for in-house developments.