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DLCO is a measurement of the transfer of carbon monoxide across the lungs
in a single breath.
Patients should arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled test and check in with
St. Rita's Cardiopulmonary Department. This area is located on the second floor
of the Medical Center to the left of the main elevators.
When preparing for this test patients should know the following:
- Do Not Use the Following Inhalers for at least Four to Six Hours
Before the Test:
- Albuterol
- Proventil
- Ventolin
- Alupent
- Maxair
- Brethaire
- Atrovent
- Combivent
- Do Not Use Serevent or Advair Inhalers for at least 12 Hours
Before the Test. (If you are unable to go this amount of time without your
inhaler, please make a note of the last time you
used it.)
- No Caffeine (Coffee, Cola, Tea or Chocolate) for at least Six
Hours Before the Test
- No Smoking or Alcohol the Day of the Test
- You May Eat a Light Meal Before the Test if You Choose
- Avoid Cold Air Exposure and Exercise if Possible
This test will take approximately 30 minutes. During this time the patient
will be sitting inside a booth while the technologist will instruct and demonstrate
a breathing maneuver for the patient. The patient will wear snug fitting nose
clips and will breathe through a mouthpiece and the technologist will have
the patient repeat the breathing effort several times. For the patient's comfort,
the mouthpiece and nose clips can be removed between each breathing attempt.
A specially trained physician will interpret the test within 24 hours and
send the results to the referring physician.
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For More Information
(419) 226-9169
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| Scheduling: |
The DLCO must be ordered by a physician. To schedule an appointment contact
St. Rita’s Central Scheduling at
(419) 226-9056 Monday through Friday from
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Appointment times are available Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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