A Patient's Guide to Understanding Your PFT Results

Your Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) report can look confusing. We'll break down what the key numbers like FVC and FEV1 actually mean.

After your Pulmonary Function Test (PFT), you'll receive a report with various numbers and graphs. It can be intimidating, but let's demystify the key values. **FVC (Forced Vital Capacity):** This is the total amount of air you can exhale forcefully after taking the deepest breath possible. A low FVC might indicate restrictive lung disease, where your lungs can't fully expand. **FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second):** This measures how much air you can force from your lungs in one second. It's a crucial number for diagnosing obstructive lung diseases. **FEV1/FVC Ratio:** This ratio compares the amount of air you can exhale in one second to the total amount you can exhale. A low ratio (typically below 70%) is a hallmark of obstructive lung diseases like COPD or asthma, as it shows you can't get air out quickly. A normal or high ratio with a low FVC might point towards a restrictive disease. Your results are compared to 'predicted values' based on your age, height, gender, and ethnicity. Our pulmonologist will interpret these results in the context of your symptoms and medical history to provide an accurate diagnosis.