Respiratory/Pulmonary Function Testing in Colorado Springs

Monument Occupational Medicine provides respiratory and pulmonary function testing in Colorado Springs for employees who may be exposed to dust, fumes, chemicals, and other respiratory hazards in the workplace. Our team provides occupational pulmonary testing to help employers monitor respiratory health, support workplace safety programs, and meet applicable testing requirements. Call our office or request an appointment online today.

About Respiratory/Pulmonary Function Testing

Monument Occupational Medicine provides respiratory and pulmonary function testing in Colorado Springs for employers and employees who may be exposed to respiratory hazards in the workplace. Pulmonary function testing helps evaluate how well the lungs are working and may be required as part of an employer's occupational health or respiratory protection program. Our team provides efficient testing and documentation to help protect employee health and support workplace safety requirements.

Respiratory/Pulmonary Function Testing Q&A

What Is Respiratory/Pulmonary Function Testing?

Pulmonary function testing (PFT) refers to tests used to evaluate how well your lungs function. These tests can measure how much air you can inhale and exhale and how quickly you can move air out of your lungs.

In occupational medicine, pulmonary function testing may be used to establish a baseline, monitor respiratory health over time, or evaluate workers whose jobs expose them to dust, fumes, chemicals, or other airborne hazards.

Who May Need Pulmonary Function Testing?

Pulmonary function testing may be required or recommended for employees who:

• Work around dust, fumes, chemicals, or other airborne contaminants
• Work in industries with occupational respiratory hazards
• Participate in an employer's respiratory protection or medical surveillance program
• Perform physically demanding work where respiratory function is important
• Require periodic respiratory evaluations based on workplace requirements
• Develop respiratory symptoms that warrant further evaluation

Employers may also use periodic testing to monitor changes in respiratory function among workers exposed to specific occupational hazards.

What Is Spirometry?

Spirometry is a common pulmonary function test that measures how much air you can exhale and how quickly you can exhale it.

During the test, you'll breathe into a device called a spirometer while following instructions from the medical team. The test provides objective measurements of lung function that can help establish a baseline or identify changes in respiratory performance over time.

Spirometry is frequently used in occupational health programs involving workplace respiratory exposures.

What Happens During Pulmonary Function Testing?

Testing is noninvasive and generally takes only a short time to complete. You'll be given instructions on how to breathe into the testing equipment, and you may repeat the breathing exercises several times to obtain accurate and consistent measurements.

The specific testing performed depends on your employer's requirements, occupational exposure, and the reason for the evaluation.

How Should I Prepare for Pulmonary Function Testing?

Before your appointment:

• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that doesn't restrict your breathing.
• Avoid strenuous exercise immediately before testing.
• Avoid smoking before your appointment.
• Bring any paperwork or testing requirements provided by your employer.
• Follow any medication instructions provided by Monument Occupational Medicine before your test.

If you use inhalers or other respiratory medications, do not stop taking them unless you have specifically been instructed to do so by a medical professional.

Why Is Pulmonary Function Testing Important for Workplace Safety?

Workers in certain occupations may be exposed to substances that can affect respiratory health over time. Pulmonary function testing provides objective measurements that can help employers and medical professionals monitor respiratory function and identify changes that may require further evaluation.

When testing is part of an occupational health or respiratory protection program, it can also help employers meet applicable workplace health and safety requirements.

Why Choose Monument Occupational Medicine?

Monument Occupational Medicine provides occupational health services for employers and employees throughout Colorado Springs and the surrounding communities. We understand the importance of efficient testing, accurate documentation, and minimizing time away from work.

Whether your organization needs testing for an individual employee or an occupational health program for multiple workers, our team can help coordinate the services you need.

Schedule Pulmonary Function Testing

If you need pulmonary function testing or occupational spirometry in Colorado Springs, contact Monument Occupational Medicine.

Call 719-445-9852 or request an appointment online to schedule your evaluation.