Pulmonary Function Tests - PFT Interpretation Explained (Pulmonology)

This video includes discussion on restriction vs obstruction, FEV1, FVC, TLC (total lung capacity), DLCO, and extrinsic vs intrinsic causes of lung disease.

This pulmonary function test (PFT) interpretation video is part of the "MedCram Remastered" series: A video we've re-edited & sped up to make learning even more efficient.

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Speaker: Roger Seheult, MD
Clinical and Exam Preparation Instructor
Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine.

MedCram = More understanding in less time

Recommended Audience - Clinicians and medical students including physicians (MD and DO), nurse practitioners (NPs) , physician assistants (PAs), nurses (RNs), respiratory therapists (RTs), EMT and paramedics, and other clinicians. Review and test prep for USMLE, MCAT, PANCE, NCLEX, NAPLEX, NBDE, RN, RT, MD, DO, PA, NP school and board examinations. Continuing Medical Education (CME), MOC Points, CEU / CEs for medical professionals.

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Produced by Kyle Allred PA-C

Please note: MedCram medical videos, medical lectures, medical illustrations, and medical animations are for medical education and exam preparation purposes, and not intended to replace recommendations by your doctor or health care provider.

[eliztaylor]

This algorithm was very helpful for my mid-term exam in my family nurse practitioner program. I was able to memorize the diagram in my head which helped me to remember for the exam. I am a audio/visual learner, so diagrams are very helpful to me.

[jacquelinefry]

Thank you so much. This made me understand better then anything I’ve watched

[emersonsrandomvideos]

Im an aspiring Respiratory Therapist. I hope i can pass the last leg of my course that includes PFT interpretation

[diptanusaha]

Sir, how can we distinguish between asthma and emphysema from Lung Function Test

[mdhen]

I thought TLC couldn't be obtained with spirometry as the residual volume isn't measured. The residual volume has to be measured with some kind of body plethysmography or formal pulmonary function tests.

[fizzanaqvi]

Thank you thank you thank you much💜 you really helped me alot

[milliek]

Thanks! I got my test results back today and kinda bummed there wasn’t any sort of “on a scale of 1 to 10 here is how crappy your lungs are” statement. I’m curious about all the data

[jabbarshah]

So actually spirometer gives FVC FEV1 & TLC values then we need to compare FVC with Predicted FVC of that pt....to r/o if it's Restrictive or not & FEV1 vs FVC ratio to r/o if it's obstructive or not.. more over Obstructive is possible whether Fvc is over 80% of expected or lesser, depending on FEV1/Fvc ratio & TLC respectively....worthy noting that once Fvc is over 80% expected fcv Restriction pathaology is always

[SuzyQ]

What if you take the PFT and the respiratory therapist says your numbers are 189 what does that mean?

[Aesthetics.Torres]

Great video! Sharing this with friends!

[sukhendu]

Dear Sir as per my PFT Both FEV1 and FVC is 77 percent against prediction, FEV1/ FVC is 0.81, PEF and MVV is 92 percent and 91 percent against Prediction. May you explain whether is it obstructive or restrictive lung disease? Thank you

[lotsofthisandthat]

How do you determine TLC I. The equation? Does the PFT computer provide this number? Thank you! Thumbs up on all your videos!

[lotsofthisandthat]

TLC>.80? How do determine TLC in the algorithm? Thank-you!

[crerar]

So my Dr says I don't have COPD, or Emphysema. But moderate obstruction. I'm still on 2-3 liters while sitting. Any physical like walking is 8 liters. Already the house, I can do 4-6 liters and be okay. I was in a coma for 1 full month, with my lungs collapse in twice and a chest tube along with getting trached. I know my lungs are scarred, but they don't say much. Thru haven't told me I would be on 02 for life, but also vague with treatment. Help?!?😊

[JM-iged]

Thanks for this explanation. I have pulmonary hypertension which contributes to my shortness of breath - 02 levels are always good. My PH was determined to be secondary to COPD. But, when I look at my numbers against what you are showing here - all my numbers are essentially normal. Now wondering why they are saying PH is secondary to COPD when my PFT numbers are virtually normal.

[dlopdx]

Mine was 94 then it went up to 105 after I got rid of Guinea pigs, is this good or bad

[nighthawk]

I had pribably my 5tj pft today. I have asthma and for the first time ever it took 8 times and evevn then it wouldnt give clear results i guess. What does that even mean? I funished the time it takes for each breath but still she said it wasnt enough. Any idea what this mean?

[shahuzasaleem]

the background music is v annoying. hard to concentrate on the leclture

[bandilestali]

Lovely vid what's the name of the song playing at the end?