Body plethysmography - Basics

A plethysmograph is an instrument for measuring changes in volume within an organ or whole body. The word is derived from the Greek "plethysmos", and "graphos"

1. Body
Plethysmography
(Pulmonary
Function Test)
Prepared by Atheena Pandian
BASICS OF BIOMEDICAL

2. Topics to be Discussed
PRESENTATION
OUTLINE
BODY pLETHYSMOGRAPHY
HOW TO PREPARE?
pOINTS NEED TO REMEMBER
1.
2.
3.

3. Body plethysmography is a
pulmonary (lung-related) function
test that determines how much air is
in your lungs after you take in a deep
breath. It also measures the amount
of air left in your lungs after you
exhale as much as you can.
BODY
PLETHYSMOGRAPHY
CINNAVASE BOTANICALS | 2020

4. Body plethysmography is a
pulmonary (lung-related) function
test that determines how much air is
in your lungs after you take in a deep
breath. It also measures the amount
of air left in your lungs after you
exhale as much as you can. This test
gives healthcare providers
information about how well your
lungs are functioning and helps guide
them in your plan of care.
CINNAVASE BOTANICALS | 2020

5. WHY IS BODY PLETHYSMOGRAPHY
USED?
To compare your lung function with known standards that show
how well your lungs should be working
To measure the effect of chronic diseases (such as chronic
obstructive lung disease, cystic fibrosis or asthma) on lung
function
To detect early changes in lung function that might show a need
for a change in treatment
To determine whether exposure to substances in your home or
work environment have damaged your lungs
To determine your ability to tolerate surgery and medical
procedures

6. PREPARATION FOR BODY
PLETHYSMOGRAPHY
Do not smoke at least 1 hour before
Do not drink alcohol for at least 4 hours before the test
Do not exercise heavily for at least 30 minutes before the test
Do not wear tight clothes that make it difficult for you to
breathe; this may alter the results
Do not eat a large meal within 2 hours before the test
Consult with your healthcare provider about any medications
that should not be taken the day of the test.

7. During this test, you will be seated in an
enclosed see through plastic box. You will
then be asked to wear a nose clip and given
instructions on how to breathe through a
mouthpiece
This test typically takes 15 minutes to
complete
If you are on oxygen, you will not be on it
during this procedure
If you have difficulty with closed in spaces,
let the technician know.
Body plethysmography conducted

8. If you have a cold or the flu, inform the test center
because they might want to reschedule
Ask if there are any medications you should stop
taking before being tested, and how long you should
discontinue them
After your test, you may return to your normal daily
activities
POIMTS NEED TO REMEMBER

9. GOOD LUCK