Pulmonary function tests at work.
Occupational exposures remain an important cause of lung disease. A number of PFTs are used in the occupational setting, including spirometry, PEF recordings, methacholine challenge testing, lung volume, and DL(CO). These tests are used in a number of situations, including the clinical evaluation and management of patients with possible occupational lung disorders, preplacement and fitness-for-duty examinations, medical screening of exposed workers, impairment and disability evaluations, and research. The diagnosis of occupational lung disease has serious consequences for a worker and, in addition to a careful occupational history, usually requires objective assessment using PFTs. Serial PFTs are useful in following such patients and screening exposed populations of workers for respiratory conditions.
Sood
A
A
Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, USA.
Redlich
C A
CA
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009787:Occupational Medicine / Q000592:standards; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D013147:Spirometry; D014481:United States