Pulmonary Services
636.344.1714

Find a physician at Progress West by visiting Find a Physician or call 636.344.CARE (2273).

Progress West offers comprehensive pulmonary services specializing in treating complications of the lungs and respiratory tract. All testing is performed in a quiet, private suite with board-certified technologists. Services are provided through tests and treatments with an experienced medical team that includes physician specialists and support staff.

If your physician has scheduled a procedure with Pulmonary Services, use the Hospital’s main entrance and register with Guest Services about 15 minutes prior to your appointment. Get a campus map.

Range of Services

Full Pulmonary Function Test (with or without Bronchodilators) -- This test has four parts:

• Spirometry -- Used to test for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and certain other conditions that affect breathing
• Vital capacity
• Total lung capacity
• Lung diffusion

Depending on the results you may need further testing with a bronchodilator, a drug that widens the air passages of the lungs and eases breathing. You will use a mouthpiece and nose clips during this test. 

Read more about pulmonary function testing here.

Methacholine Challenge or Bronchospasm Exam -- This test checks for asthma. The patient inhales medication and is then administered a spirometry test to determine how the lungs react.

Spirometry -- This test is also known as flow volume loop and is performed as part of a full pulmonary function test. Spirometry is also used to periodically check how well the lungs are functioning during treatment for chronic lung conditions. Spirometry measures how much air you can inhale and exhale. Spirometry also measures how fast you exhale.

Arterial Blood Gases -- Your physician may order this exam separately or as part of a pulmonary function test. The therapist takes blood from an artery in your wrist for testing oxygen levels.

Six Minute Walk -- Your oxygen levels will be measured while walking for six minutes to determine your need for supplemental oxygen.

Pentamidine Treatment -- This therapy supplies medication to prevent Pneumocystis pneumonia. A special nebulizer is used for treatment. Patients with compromised immune systems often receive these treatments.

Lung Diffusing Testing (DLCO) -- This test measures how well the lungs exchange gases. This is the lungs’ major function, to "diffuse" or pass oxygen into the blood from the lungs, and to allow carbon dioxide to "diffuse" from the blood into the lungs.

Vital Capacity -- This is part of the full pulmonary function test and determines the amount of air a patient can inhale and exhale.

Max Voluntary Ventilation (MVV) -- This is a measurement of the maximum amount of air that can be inhaled and exhaled in one minute and measures your lung muscle strength.

Oximetry -- This test checks the level of oxygen in your blood without having to draw blood. Learn more about oximetry here.