A pulmonary laboratory technician’s main responsibilities include educating patients on proper breathing techniques and performing pulmonary function tests (PFT) to determine a patient’s respiratory function. Physicians use this information to diagnose and treat pulmonary disorders. Spirometry, lung volumes helium dilution, nitrogen washout, and plethysmograph are examples of PFTs.
The lab tech uses a spirometer to measure the rate of air flow in a patient’s lungs and perform lung-capacity tests like vital capacity and maximum breathing capacity. The tech measures expired air with a variety of analyzers and records the results on analysis meters to send to the doctor. A pulmonary laboratory technician must recognize the importance of a “stat” test and give it top priority, even if it means working overtime.
The pulmonary laboratory technician also performs blood gas analyses to determine oxygen saturation, pH levels, and hemoglobin count while working under general supervision. He or she accomplishes this using sophisticated equipment such as a blood gas analyzer, reflectance oxymeter, micro hematocrit centrifuge, and radiometer with skill. The lab tech may be asked to assist a physician in performing special procedures, such as a bronchoscopy, and may be asked to measure sweat chloride to test for cystic fibrosis.
Most pulmonary laboratory technicians are trained to use augmented mechanical equipment called “hugger machines” to perform specialized pulmonary function tests on neonates, intensive care patients, and critical care patients. This necessitates a thorough understanding of cardiac arrhythmias and pulmonary physiology. Another common task is metabolic testing of ventilated patients to determine gas exchanges. A pulmonary function stress test, which includes EKG monitoring, ear oxymeter tests, lung mechanics, and gas exchange, is frequently requested the tech.
Aside from PFTs and other tests, the lab tech is usually in charge of ensuring that all respiration equipment is working properly. He or she tests, calibrates, and maintains all machines according to standard procedures to ensure accurate readings. The pulmonary laboratory technician must keep daily lab reports and work closely with the administrator and pulmonary division physicians to keep them informed of all laboratory activities.
The majority of senior pulmonary laboratory technicians help train medical students, house staff, and junior laboratory technicians. A lab tech’s other important responsibility is to speak with the patient in the treatment room and explain the nature of the test and procedures in detail. He or she may also teach the patient how to use inhalers and other respiratory devices properly.