Lung tests & procedures
ఊపిరితిత్తుల పరీక్షలు
The right test turns guesswork into a clear diagnosis. Dr Ashok explains why each test is needed and what the result means for you.
Pulmonary function test (PFT) / spirometry
ఊపిరితిత్తుల పనితీరు పరీక్షYou blow hard into a tube while a machine measures how much air your lungs hold and how fast you can push it out. It confirms asthma or COPD, shows how severe it is and tracks whether treatment is working. Where needed, lung volumes and DLCO (how well oxygen passes into the blood) are also measured.
Before the test: Avoid smoking and heavy meals for a few hours before. Bring your current inhalers and prescriptions.
6-minute walk test
6 నిమిషాల నడక పరీక్షYou walk at your own pace for six minutes while your oxygen level and pulse are checked. It shows how your lungs cope with everyday activity and helps decide if you need oxygen support.
Before the test: Wear comfortable shoes and clothes.
Oxygen level (SpO₂) and blood gas checks
ఆక్సిజన్ స్థాయి పరీక్షA small clip on the finger reads oxygen level at rest and while walking. In the ICU an arterial blood gas test measures oxygen and carbon dioxide directly to guide oxygen and ventilator support.
Before the test: Remove nail polish from one finger if possible.
Chest X-ray and HRCT chest
ఛాతీ ఎక్స్-రే, సీటీ స్కాన్Pictures of the lungs. A high-resolution CT (HRCT) shows fine detail and is important for ILD, bronchiectasis, unexplained cough and lung spots. Dr Ashok arranges the right scan and explains the report with you.
Before the test: Bring all your old X-rays, CT films and reports: comparing them is very useful.
Bronchoscopy and BAL (selected cases)
బ్రాంకోస్కోపీA thin flexible camera is passed through the nose or mouth into the airways, under sedation and local anaesthetic, to look inside, take samples (BAL) or a small biopsy. It is used when tests are needed for infection, TB, ILD or a lung spot.
Before the test: Fasting for a few hours is needed. You will be told exactly what to do and should come with a family member.
Sputum and TB tests
కఫం పరీక్ష, టీబీ పరీక్షTesting a sample of phlegm under the microscope and with rapid molecular tests finds TB germs and other infections, and shows whether TB germs are resistant to medicines.
Before the test: Early-morning sputum, coughed up from deep in the chest (not saliva), gives the best result.
Pleural fluid tap (thoracentesis)
ఊపిరితిత్తుల నీరు తీయడంWhen fluid collects around the lung, a needle is used, under local anaesthetic and often ultrasound guidance, to drain it. This eases breathing and the fluid is tested to find the cause.
Before the test: Tell the doctor about any blood thinners you take.
Please confirm availability of a test when you book.