Respiratory health screenings are essential for assessing lung function, detecting early signs of respiratory diseases, and guiding appropriate treatments. Here’s an overview of common tests used in respiratory health screenings:
1. Spirometry
- Purpose: Measures lung function, specifically the volume and speed of air a person can inhale and exhale.
- Detects: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and other obstructive airway diseases.
- Process: Involves breathing into a mouthpiece connected to a spirometer; results help assess airflow limitations.
2. Chest X-ray
- Purpose: Provides imaging of the lungs and chest structures.
- Detects: Pneumonia, lung infections, tuberculosis, lung cancer, and other abnormalities.
- Process: A quick, non-invasive imaging procedure often part of routine screenings or to follow up on symptoms.
3. CT Scan of the Chest
- Purpose: Offers a detailed cross-sectional view of the lungs.
- Detects: Lung cancer, pulmonary embolism, and interstitial lung diseases.
- Process: A more detailed imaging technique than an X-ray; recommended for individuals with a high risk of lung disease, especially smokers.
4. Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs)
- Purpose: Evaluates lung volume, capacity, rates of flow, and gas exchange.
- Detects: Various lung disorders, such as restrictive and obstructive lung diseases.
- Process: Includes multiple tests like spirometry, lung volume tests, and diffusing capacity tests.
5. Oximetry (Pulse Oximetry)
- Purpose: Measures oxygen saturation in the blood.
- Detects: Hypoxemia and can indicate respiratory or circulatory issues.
- Process: Non-invasive procedure using a clip on the fingertip to measure blood oxygen levels.
6. Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) Test
- Purpose: Measures the amount of nitric oxide in the breath, indicating airway inflammation.
- Detects: Primarily used in asthma diagnosis and monitoring.
- Process: Patient breathes into a machine, which measures nitric oxide levels.
7. Bronchoscopy
- Purpose: Directly visualizes the airways for diagnostic purposes.
- Detects: Tumors, infections, and blockages in the airways.
- Process: Involves inserting a flexible tube with a camera down the throat; may involve taking tissue samples.
8. Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Test
- Purpose: Measures oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH levels in the blood.
- Detects: Respiratory function issues, such as hypoxia or acidosis.
- Process: Involves drawing blood from an artery, usually from the wrist.
Regular respiratory screenings are beneficial, particularly for people with respiratory symptoms, smokers, or individuals with a family history of lung disease. Early detection through these tests can greatly improve treatment outcomes and overall respiratory health.
Office Locations
Conveniently located near you in Loudoun and Fairfax VA
NOVA Pulmonary – Dulles
24430 Stone Springs Boulevard
Suite 550
Dulles, VA 20166
NOVA Pulmonary – Lansdowne
19415 Deerfield Avenue
Suite 301
Landsdowne, VA 20176
Meet the team at NOVA Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep Associates

Dr. Aditya N Dubey, M.D, F.C.C.P. – Founder
Specialty:
Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine
Board Certified by American Board of Internal Medicine in the Subspecialities of Pulmonary Medicine, Critical Care Medicine and Sleep Medicine. Learn more about Dr. Dubey

Dr. Petra Thomas, M.D.
Specialty:
Pulmonary Medicine
Board Certified by American Board of Internal Medicine in the Subspecialities of Pulmonary Medicine. Learn more about Dr. Thomas

Dr. Arman Murabia, M.D.
Specialty:
Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine
Board Certified by American Board of Internal Medicine in the Subspecialities of Pulmonary Medicine, Critical Care Medicine and Sleep Medicine. Learn more about Dr. Murabia

Paulos Abebe PA-C
Physician Assistant Learn more about Paulos Abebe PA-C

Rebekah Lee, AGNP-C
Nurse Practitioner. Learn more about Rebekah Lee

Christine Amorosi, AGNP-C
Nurse Practitioner. Learn more about Christine Amorosie