Click the links below to go to News.

News and Media

Pulmonary Medicine Services

Pulmonary Lung Function Testing (PFT)

A complete pulmonary lung function test takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes to complete. You will be asked to breathe into a tube called a spirometer that records the amount of air and the rate of air breathed over a specific period of time. The test may include before and after taking certain medications.

For more information on Pulmonary Function Testing, please call 978-630-6548.

Patient Instructions for Procedures

Medications to be held before Methacholine challenge testing.  
Medication – Duration of time to hold

  • Short-acting inhaled beta agonists (e.g. albuterol) - 6 hours
  • Long-acting inhaled beta agonists combinations (e.g., Advair, Symbicort, Dulera,
    Wixela, Bevespi, Breztri) - 36 hours
  • Ultra–long-acting beta agonists combinations (e.g., Breo, Anoro) - 48 hours
  • Short-acting anticholinergics (e.g., Atrovent, ipratropium) - 12 hours
  • Long-acting anticholinergics (e.g., Spiriva, Incruse, Tudorza) – 1 week
    Oral theophylline – 12 to 24 hours

Medications to be held before standard PFTs

  • Medication – Duration of time to hold
  • Short-acting inhaled beta agonists (e.g. albuterol) - 6 hours
  • Short-acting anticholinergics (e.g., Atrovent, ipratropium) - 6 hours
  • Long-acting beta agonists (e.g., Advair, Symbicort, Dulera, Wixela, Bevespi,
    Breztri) - 12 hours
  • Ultra long-acting agents (e.g., Spiriva, Incruse, Breo, Anoro) - 24 hours

Please talk to your MD before your PFT if you have any of the following:

  • Heart attack (myocardial infarction) within the last month
  • Recent eye surgery within 1 week to 6 months (depends on type of surgery)
  • Recent brain surgery or injury within 3 to 6 weeks
  • Lung collapse (pneumothorax within 2 weeks
  • Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
  • Aortic (thoracic, abdominal) or cerebral (brain) aneurysms Lung biopsy within previous week

Other Instructions

  • Do not smoke or vape for at least 1 hour before the test.
  • Do not restrict chest expansion with tight fitting clothing (e.g., belts or vests).
  • Avoid vigorous exercise 1 hour before testing.
  • Do not consume intoxicants 8 hours before testing.

Note: Caffeine and caffeine-related products will not have an effect on your
testing