The portal uses cookies to provide service functions such as “Bookmark” and to improve website usage. Information and opt-out options can be found in the cookie settings in the privacy policy.

Search

1-713:

Pulmonary function tests: Measurement of functional residual capacity (FRC) by helium dilution technique

You have been tested to see how much air is left in your lungs after you exhale.

The lungs are on the left and right side of the ribcage. They are also connected to the nose and mouth via the bronchial tubes and windpipe (trachea). You need lungs to breath. When we breathe in, oxygen enters the lungs and accumulates in the blood. This blood then flows to the heart. The heart then pumps the oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. All of the organs are supplied with oxygen as a result.

For the examination, the patient inhales a specific air mixture containing helium. When a person breathes, helium spreads evenly through the lungs and it is not absorbed into the blood. Upon inhaling, the lungs fill with air. Upon exhaling, the air escapes from the lungs. Some of the air remains in the lungs. The test can calculate the volume of this air. Certain illnesses involve changes in the volume of this air.

Additional indicator

If necessary, additional letters are appended to OPS codes to indicate which side of the body is affected.

  • L: Left
  • R: Right
  • B: Both sides

Further information

Note

Your doctor will assist you with any health-related questions and explain the OPS code to you in a direct consultation if necessary.

Source

Provided by the non-profit organization “Was hab’ ich?” gemeinnützige GmbH on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG).