Test results

[FreshFlowers3]

I finally have a copy of test results... Does anyone know how to interpret my results...

[mrsmummy]

You can ring the BLF nurses on 03000 030 555 tomorrow (office hours) and they will be able to give you a detailed analysis of your results.

[FreshFlowers3 in reply to mrsmummy]

I live in Canada. So I can't phone the nurse. My doctor couldn't explain results. She just said not quite stage 1 COPD ???

[mrsmummy in reply to FreshFlowers3]

Not quite stage 1 is a very good result. If you stay away from cigarette smoke, traffic fumes, etc. and take regular exercise and eat healthily it may never go any further. You are lucky to get this warning as many people are not diagnosed until the condition is severe.

[Hidden]

G'day fresh Flowers

There are three main results for you to monitor.

FEV1 = Max co2 you can exhale in 1 sec

FVC = Exhale Co2 over 6/8 secs

DLCO = The amount of 02 you pass thru your lungs into the bloodstream and the amount of Co2 you exhale.

With the FEV1 and the FVC the column PRE indicates the amount you should be capable of at your age (The figure decreases as we get older) so according to the chart provided by your self your figures are excellent.

With the combined FEV1 and the FVC..... again good levels

The main one is the DLCO at your age it should be 21 lpm you are 19.0 lpm which is 94%. Here in Australia to qualify for lung transplant you need to have 40% or less lung function.

Yours are levels that anyone would want to have.

You probably have been given a health scare at some time Maybe about smoking, but your stats are really good.

Please stick to a healthy diet and maintain regular exercise, specifically pulmonary type.

Will (Australia)

[soulsaver]

'Pre' is the results pre bronchodilator. 'Ref' is what people call 'predicted' here. 'Post' is the results 20 minutes after inhaled doses of Ventolin/salbutamol - the reversibility test for asthma.

Look down the %REF column - that's a comparison against average results for a normal blow from people your age sex and height; Yours mostly are great, but your FEF (Forced Expiry Flow rate) numbers are relatively low at the end of your blow, indicative of some small airway damage.

Your airways start large and keep branching to smaller, you are showing signs of obstruction in this area hence your diagnosis is likely to be 'obstructed' - mild ("not quite stage 1") based on your really good other results being within the normal range.

As they say avoid contaminated air, keep away from people with colds, get your flu jab, exercise & eat healthily & hopefully it'll stay that way.

Best wishes