Chronic Pulmonary and Ventilator Program

Common tests

During a visit, your child may undergo tests to see how his or her lungs are working. These tests may include:

• Chest X-ray
• Neck and sinus X-rays
• Pulmonary function tests -- a range of tests that measure how well the lungs take in and exhale air and how efficiently they transfer oxygen into the blood.
• Arterial blood gas (ABG) test -- a blood test that measures the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood to determine how well the lungs are working. The blood sample is usually taken from an artery in your child's wrist.
• End-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring (ETCO2) -- a test that measures the amount of carbon dioxide that is exhaled from the respiratory system. During the test, your child is hooked up to a sensor that monitors his or her breathing. The test is painless and usually takes 15 minutes to complete.
• Lung volume and pressure measurements via an existing tracheostomy tube
• Blood test for immunologic and allergic evaluation