PFT to test for flying

[Eireann]

Hi all, I hope that your Christmas went well. Can anyone tell me about having a PFT for finding out if they need oxygen to fly, and does it differ from an ordinary PFT.

[skischool]

Here you go.all the info in one neat little package.

europeanlung.org/en/lung-di...

Yes it does differ from normal PFT's but is a simple assessment and not at all uncomfortable and takes about 30 mins to complete.

regards Ski's and Scruff's

[Eireann in reply to skischool]

Thanks Skischool, I will read the link you sent me now.

[oooodicky]

Hi if you have a community nurse ask her and she can refer you to your local hospital for a PFT to see if you need oxygen to fly and how much. Happy days 👋

[Eireann in reply to oooodicky]

Thanks oooodicky, I already have an appointment for 30th January but wondering how different it will be from normal one.

[oooodicky in reply to Eireann]

They just do a pressure test I think to see how much oxygen you’re ok with like a simulator when you fly, good luck 😉

[Eireann in reply to oooodicky]

Thanks ooodicky, unfortunately I thought it was like you say but it is much more invasive than that.

[skischool in reply to Eireann]

Eireann,the fitness to fly or hypoxic challenge test is totaly separate to and not done within normal pulmonary function testing,you would have to request this specifically.

Please read the link i gave you and it simply involves breathing in a measured amount of air reduced in oxygen content to simulate being at an altitude based on the pressurisation of the aircraft cabin where o2 content is reduced in comparison to sea level.

[Eireann in reply to skischool]

Unfortunately for me, the link you sent me is all true but also more invasive especially if I have to have two blood gases done, these are so painful and remind me of a woodpecker digging at the vein in my wrist☹️ Thanks skischool

[skischool in reply to Eireann]

The blood for analysis would be taken from the earlobe,a mere scratch and hardly invasive and i can reassure you that the assessment is completely harmless and easy to undergo.

[Eireann in reply to skischool]

I read the attachment that you sent me and it said two blood gas tests would be taken, one before and one after, I have never had blood taken from my earlobe and always from my wrist when they are checking blood gases. Thanks skischool

[skischool in reply to Eireann]

No in this instance they always take capillary blood from the ear lobe and you literally feel nothing more than a slight scratch if anything at all.all done in seconds.believe me it is so simple and non invasive.

[Eireann in reply to skischool]

Thanks so much skischool, I will go with your information and disregard the link you sent.

[skischool in reply to Eireann]

Ok if you have any queries or concerns don't hesitate to message me.

good luck......Ski's

[oooodicky]

Hi ok and good luck 😉