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WORKER GUIDE

HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR 
Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)

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WHAT IS A PULMONARY FUNCTION TEST (PFT)?
A Pulmonary Function Test is a breathing test. It shows how well your lungs work.
The test helps the medical team:

  • Check how much air your lungs can hold

  • See how fast you can blow air out

  • Make sure your lungs are working safely for your job

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL TEST

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Take the Deepest Breath You Can

  • Breathe in as deep as possible. 

  • Fill your lungs all the way up like they will burst.

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Wrap Your Lips Around the Tube

  • Wrap your lips all the way around the testing mouthpiece.

  • Do not pucker your lips like you are blowing a trumpet.

  • If air leaks out of your mouth, your results may look lower than they really are.

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Blow Hard and Fast

  • Blow out as hard and fast as you can right away.

  • After the first second, you may feel like there is no air left. That’s normal.

  • Even if you can’t feel or hear air coming out:

    • Keep pushing

    • Keep your chest and stomach tight

    • Don’t slow down

  • Do NOT blow slower just to last longer. That will lower your score.

REAL-LIFE EXAMPLE

  • Think about squeezing water out of a wet sponge.

  • If you squeeze it hard right away:

    • Most of the water comes out fast

    • More water keeps coming out slowly if you keep squeezing

  • Your lungs work the same way. Blow hard at the start. Then keep the squeeze until the test is over.

QUESTIONS?
If you have any concerns about your medical exam or specific health conditions, please contact us or your medical provider.

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