Pulmonary Function Laboratory

SER 205

Name: Catherine Koziarz

Overview

Ventilation is necessary for the exchange of gases between the atmosphere and our metabolism. We
use oxygen form the atmosphere as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain. We
must also expire carbon dioxide, since this carbon is a result of macronutrient combustion. During
exercise, oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production increase; therefore, we need to increase
our ventilation. At normal altitudes, our ventilation is more sensitive to the production of CO 2 than it
is to the consumption of O2. At high altitudes (>6,500 ft), the reduced partial pressure of O2 is capable
of stimulating greater amounts of ventilation. Lung volumes are largely a function of age, height, and
gender. Physical fitness does not significantly affect lung size, but it may improve flow rates.
Volumes are usually expressed in terms of BTPS (body temperature and pressure, saturated). The
reason is that as you exhale, the expired air quickly cools to the temperature of your surroundings,
loses humidity; therefore causing a change in volume.

Pulmonary Terms

Spirometry: measurement of ventilator capacities

Pulmonary Function Test (PFT): measuring the volume and speed of inspiration and expiration

Tidal Volume: normal breathing pattern

Forced Vital Capacity (FVC): maximum volume of air forcibly expired after a maximal inspiration

Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV1.0): volume of air exhaled in the first second after a maximal
inspiration

FEV1.0/FVC Ratio: normal is 70-85%; measure of possible pulmonary disease

Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF): maximum expiratory flow during a forced expiration from the point of
maximum inspiration

Maximum Voluntary Ventilation (MVV): maximal amount of air expired in one minute

Maximum Exercise Ventilation (VEmax): maximal volume expired during max exercise

Total Lung Capacity (TLC): vital capacity and residual volumes combined
 Pulmonary Function Laboratory
SER 205

Name: ______Katie Koziarz________________________________________________________

Gender: ____F________

Age: ___20____________ Height: ____70____________ inches ____177.8___________ cm

Weight: _____165__________ lbs ____74.8___________ kg

Calculate the predicted lung volumes using the equations provided:

All:

MVV (L/min) = 199.1 – (1.12 x Age)

= 199.1 - ______22.4_____________

= ____176.7______________ L/min

Mini-Spirometer:

1. Slide the small end of the mouthpiece onto the spirometer nozzle.
2. Confirm that the white indicator pointer is set at zero; if not, adjust by
rotating the outer ring until the indicator points at zero.
3. Place the nose clip on your nostrils.
4. Hold spirometer horizontal during the measurement with the dial facing up
and the nozzle towards the mouth.
5. Keep the spirometer steady during the measurement.
6. Do not cover the small holes on the sides of the spirometer.
7. Inhale as deeply as possible.
8. Place the mouthpiece between your lips.
9. Exhale as much air and as fast as you can into the spirometer (this should
take 5-6 seconds).
10. Read the measurement and reset the dial. The spirometer is set for 0.1 L
graduations.
11. Take a total of 3 measurements.

Trial 1: _____3.25______________ L Trial 2: ______3.75_____________ L Trial 3:

______3.1_____________ L
Compare the results of the measured FVC and the estimated FVC from the equations.

N/A

WOMEN:

MVV (L/min) = 165.5

PVC (L) = (0.115 x Ht in inches) – (0.024 x Age in yrs) – 2.852

= _8.05______ - ___.48_____ - 2.852

= ____4.718___________ liters

For the following equations, Height is in centimeters and Age in years.

FVC (L) = -0.356 + (0.0187 x Age) – (0.000382 x Age2) + (0.00014815 x Ht2)

= -0.356 + __.374________ - ___.1528________ + ___4.683_______

= __4.54______ liters

FEV1.0 (L) = 0.433 – (0.01303 x Age) + (0.000194 x Age2) + (0.00011496 x Ht2)

= 0.433 - __.2606_______ + __.0776_________ + ____3.63_______

= ___3.88__________ L

RV (L) = 0.01812 x Ht + (0.016 x Age) – 2.003

= 0.01812 x __177.8_____ + (0.016 x __20_____ )- 2.003

=

= _1.537________ liters
Nomogram: On the following page, find your height and age. Connect the two values with a straight line
(Please use a ruler or other suitable straight edge) to determine your estimated FEV 1.0/FVC% and FEV1.0.
How do these values compare to the calculated values with the equations?
My calculated FEV was 3.88L while my FEV found using the line was 3.8L. The FEV 1.0/FVC% on the line was
81% and my calculated was 85%.