How is the test conducted?
To find your numbers, you will be asked to hold the tube of a spirometer in your mouth, to inhale deeply and to blow into the tube as hard and as fast as possible for six seconds. Our equipment meets the current ATS (American Thoracic Society) Standards for spirometry testing. New filtered mouthpieces are provided. INTERPRETING RESULTS Lung diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, can be judged by comparing an individuals readings with normal predicted values. These values are a function of age, gender, height and race. Results can be described as mild, moderate or severe, according to the percentage of normal obtained. I Many factors can contribute to decreased lung function, and your doctor may order more tests to pinpoint the cause. A printout with results will be provided, which may be shown to your doctor for evaluation. If problems are identified early, then lifestyle changes and treatments may help prevent future damage. Spirometry results are helpful
The test is conducted by using a toothbrush-like device that is inserted into the mouth instead of drawing blood. A small pad on a plastic stick is placed between the gum and cheek, rubbed in a circular motion, and then allowed to remain in the closed mouth for three minutes. The pad is then placed in a container and sent to the State Health Laboratory where it is tested using techniques similar to those used with blood samples. How accurate is an OraSure test? OraSure mouth swab test is very accurate, yet not as accurate as a blood test. As with blood tests, six to twelve weeks must pass after infection has occurred before enough antibodies have been produced for the test to detect them. An OraSure test performed three months after the potentially infectious event (sex without a condom or shared intravenous drug needles/equipment) is about 95% accurate. A test at 6 months will be the most accurate. You can get tested for HIV for free as often as you wish. Do I have to give my name? IC
Because radiation is part of the test, there is always a small risk that cells or tissue may have received some damage following the PET procedure. However, the radiation levels from the tracer that is sent throughout the body are very low. In addition, following the scan, patients may find that their arm is a little bit sore or that they experience redness where the IV was placed in the arm.
