If you work a physically demanding job, certain breathing disorders could hinder your ability to perform at work. WorkSafe specializes in all aspects of occupational health in Wichita, KS, including respiratory assessments. Learn how experts conduct spirometry vs. pulmonary function tests, the purpose of each one, and how they impact you.
Why Undergo a Respiratory Evaluation at Work?
Office workers or those with sedentary jobs typically don’t have trouble completing their work even if they suffer from asthma or similar conditions. However, poor respiratory health can be concerning for anyone whose job involves a lot of physical exertion. Employers may require spirometry and lung function testing to rule out certain health conditions and determine whether someone is able to meet the job’s demands.
Understanding Spirometry Tests
Before we dive into the differences between spirometry vs. pulmonary function tests, it’s important to understand the purpose of each. A spirometry test is a simple way to track airflow measurements, ultimately providing insight into one’s lung capacity.
During this test, patients are asked to breathe into a tube that connects to a device called a spirometer. When they exhale, the spirometer records the respiratory system’s Forced Vital Capacity and Forced Expiratory Volume. In other words, it tracks the speed at which you inhale and exhale, as well as the amount of air your lungs can handle.
It’s a completely non-invasive way to diagnose common respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The Purpose of Pulmonary Function Tests
A pulmonary function test is another diagnostic evaluation. Like a spirometry assessment, it’s also non-invasive. However, it’s much more extensive and can be used to get a better look at overall lung function.
The main components of a pulmonary function test include:
- Measuring lung volume
- Testing gas exchange efficiency
- Evaluating airways
If an employer has concerns about their employee’s respiratory health, they may recommend this test in the workplace. The results can help diagnose a wide range of pulmonary conditions and shape possible treatment plans.
Spirometry vs. Pulmonary Function Tests: Key Differences
While both of these respiratory assessments offer insight into lung function, they have some notable differences. Weigh the pros and cons of each one below to help you decide which test to deploy in your workplace.
The Equipment Used
If you were to lay out all of the necessary tools used in spirometry vs. pulmonary function tests, you would find that one requires much more equipment than the other. A spirometer is all that’s needed to conduct a spirometry test and check someone’s lung capacity and airflow.
To perform a pulmonary function test, however, one would need a spirometer, a gas analyzer, and a body plethysmograph. Some providers also use nose clips to ensure that patients only breathe through their mouths during the tests. The cost of each test may vary, given the scope of the evaluation and the equipment required.
Diagnostic Goals
Perhaps your employee has difficulty breathing while on the job, but they don’t have any respiratory conditions in their health history. To get to the bottom of this discrepancy, you decide to mandate a respiratory assessment. But which option should you choose?
A spirometry test is a simple way to diagnose common conditions, including:
- Asthma
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
This is usually the first test that experts perform to rule out these chronic conditions. While a pulmonary function test can help diagnose the same diseases, results can come faster by opting for spirometry.
The Measurements
Ask a doctor to explain the difference between spirometry vs. pulmonary function tests, and they will tell you that each one captures unique measurements. A pulmonary function test is far more extensive when it comes to gathering clinical data. This medical assessment is used to record the following:
- Total lung capacity
- Gas diffusion capabilities
- Airway resistance
- Lung volume
- Airflow rates
If your goal is to get plenty of information about someone’s lung performance, opt for a pulmonary function test.
Enhance Your Business’s Health and Safety With WorkSafe
Now that you know the main components of spirometry vs. pulmonary function tests, you should be able to determine which option best suits your employees. Rely on WorkSafe to assist your business with all aspects of occupational health, from teaching the benefits of deep breathing to conducting comprehensive ergonomic assessments.
Our experts have years of experience and aid Wichita businesses across all industries. Contact us today at (316) 262-8800 to learn how we can help you.