During a visit, you and your child will meet with one of our doctors for a physical exam and discussion of your child's health. You will also meet with one of our nurses, to determine your child's needs at home, and a respiratory therapist, to review equipment.
Appointments take about an hour. Some appointments may require special diagnostic testing which can add time to your visit.
Respiratory therapy
Respiratory therapists are available to answer questions about treatment, breathing exercises and the use of equipment.
Infant PFTs can be scheduled by calling 617-355-7510 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
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
Contact Us
Pulmonary Integrated Ventilator Outpatient Team (PIVOT)