Pulmonary Function Testing or (PFTs) are non-invasive tests that show how well the lungs are working. The tests measure lung volume, capacity, rates of flow, and gas exchange. This information can help your healthcare provider diagnose and decide the treatment of certain lung disorders. Appointment needed for this service.
Before you have PFTs:
- No smoking for at least 1 hour prior to test.
- Wear loose clothing which will not restrict your ability to breathe deeply.
- Avoid large meals prior to your test time which will make it more comfortable for you to breathe deeply.
- Don’t use your rescue inhalers (or nebulizer) for 4-6 hours prior to test. This could affect your results. Most studies require us to give you a breathing treatment as part of our test.
- Don’t use your maintenance inhalers for 12 hours prior to test.
Electrocardiogram (EKG) is a very simple and painless procedure that usually takes about five minutes. The test itself monitors a ten-second window of the electrical pathways of your heart. This window shows how the muscles are performing and checks for problems with the electrical activity of your heart. It is helpful to wear a top that is easy to open to allow placement of the monitor patches that will be placed on your chest. No appointment necessary. Available 7 days a week, however preferred times are Monday-Friday 7:00am-3:30pm.
24 or 48 hour Holter monitor is a device that you will wear for a 24 or 48 hours period (depending on what your healthcare provider ordered). The monitor provides video of the electric impulses of your heart and monitors the heart rhythm. You will keep a journal throughout the 24 hours, where you will mark down symptoms and what you were doing at the onset of those symptoms. This will help give the technicians an indication of how your heart responds to certain activities. On the day of your initial appointment, be sure to wear clothes that are easy to put over your monitor once the monitor has been placed. Appointment needed for this service.
30 day event monitor is a recording device that uses the same type of electrodes as a Holter monitor, but is meant to record events that occur less frequently than daily, and thus require studying for a longer time. The patient typically wears the device for 30 days. On the day of your initial appointment, be sure to wear clothes that are easy to put over your monitor once the monitor has been placed. Appointment needed for this service.
The cardiac treadmill (stress test) is another procedure offered that is a benefit for our patients suffering from chest pain or those with a family history of heart disease. Cardiac stress tests can help identify potential cardiac issues. You will be hooked up to heart monitors while you exert effort on your body. It is recommended you wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Appointment needed for this service.
Regardless of which procedure you are having performed, you’ll want to talk with your healthcare provider or cardiologist about what medications you should or should not take before these procedures. It is recommended that you not eat a large meal prior to performing the cardiac treadmill test.
Your Appointment
- Referrals are required.
- Once your referral has been written, an appointment can be made. Be sure to bring your order with you or have it faxed directly to us from the healthcare provider’s office at 208-786-8400
- On the day of your visit, check in 15 minutes prior to your scheduled time at the hospital admitting desk, located just inside the main doors at 25 Jacobs Gulch, Kellogg, Idaho
- Be sure to bring all insurance information, a list of medications you are currently taking and records from another provider and specialist, if applicable. (Remember your healthcare provider will go over which medications you should and should not take before and during these tests).
- To schedule an appointment or for questions, please call (208) 784-1221 ext 350. Fax: (208) 786-8400