Posted by Chris M. on 2/28/2008, 8:46 pm, in reply to "diffusion (DLCO) "
72.251.77.86
I will leave the technical explanation to someone who has it down.
The small explanation is that it is the measure of how you are exchanging gases in your lungs.
It is a very variable measurement, and can vary depending on altitude, being tired, and many things, whether you have exercised, but gives an expert Doc some measure of why and how you may or not need assistance in your ability to rid yourself of CO2 and absorb oxygen. Oxygen exchange for CO2 is the purpose of our breathing. Low DLCO % suggests a problem.
Because it is variable, Docs disagree as to the value of the reading, but consider it an additional fact to match or apply with other parts of the Pulmonary Function Test.
Hope that helps some. Welcome if you are new to the forum. I'm sure you'll have more answers.
Responses: