Children who need to find out how well their lungs work can have a variety of breathing tests in the Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) Labs at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).   

Pulmonary function testing is important for children with lung disorders or conditions that affect lung growth and size. The tests help doctors determine why your child may have trouble breathing by measuring different types of lung function. Results guide doctors in diagnosing and developing a treatment plan for your child.   

These tests help diagnose and manage lung disorders like asthma, chronic lung disease of prematurity, cystic fibrosis and others. Ongoing testing helps show whether a treatment is working or the care plan needs to change. 

Pulmonary function testing we offer

When your child's pulmonologist refers you to CHOP PFT labs, they will indicate which tests your child needs. Your child may need one or a few of these tests. Available tests include: 

• Spirometry 
• Pre- and post-bronchodilator testing of spirometry 
• Static lung volume measurements (by plethysmography or helium dilution) 
• Diffusion capacity of the lung to carbon monoxide 
• Respiratory muscle strength 
• Bronchial challenge tests 
• Measurement of airway mechanics (resistance and compliance) 
• Lung clearance index (a measurement of obstructive lung disease) 
• Nasal and exhaled nitric oxide measurement (measure of lung inflammation) 
• Forced oscillometry (measure of airway obstruction) 
• Infant pulmonary function testing (adapted measurement of spirometry and lung volume performed under sedation) 

What makes our PFT Labs special

Because our respiratory therapists are experts in working with children and giving these tests, they can get accurate, reliable results while keeping your child comfortable.  

The PFT labs are part of CHOP's Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine. CHOP has three PFT labs — in the Philadelphia Campus, the King of Prussia Campus and in Voorhees, NJ — so your family can go where it's convenient for you. All of our PFT laboratories provide state-of-the-art facilities and equipment for performing and interpreting lung function tests. 

Our labs are also involved in the research and development of new tests of lung function that will help us better measure children's lung function throughout infancy and childhood.