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PFT Test (Pulmonary Function Test): Purpose, Procedure, Cost & Results
A breathing test that measures how well your lungs actually work. Painless, takes 30–60 minutes, no needles. Our list price is ₹ 2,400 — send us your prescription on WhatsApp for today’s exact rate.
Breathing problems like asthma, chronic cough, or shortness of breath can seriously affect daily life. To identify the root cause, doctors often recommend a PFT Test (Pulmonary Function Test). This simple, non-invasive test helps measure how well your lungs are working and plays a vital role in diagnosing and monitoring lung conditions.
In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the PFT Test – its purpose, procedure, preparation, risks, cost, and results.
What is a PFT Test?
PFT (Pulmonary Function Test) is a group of tests that check your lung capacity, airflow, and oxygen exchange. It helps doctors understand:
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How much air your lungs can hold.
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How quickly you can exhale.
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How efficiently oxygen moves from your lungs into your blood.
Simply put, it is a health checkup for your lungs.
Why is a PFT Test Done?
Your doctor may suggest a PFT test for:
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Diagnosing lung diseases such as Asthma, COPD, Pulmonary Fibrosis, Bronchitis.
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Pre-surgery evaluation (especially before heart or lung surgery).
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Monitoring treatment effectiveness in patients with chronic lung problems.
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Checking lung function for people exposed to dust, smoke, or chemicals.
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Evaluating unexplained breathing issues like wheezing, chest tightness, or chronic cough.
Types of PFT Tests
There are different kinds of pulmonary function tests. Some of the common ones include:
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Spirometry – Measures airflow and how quickly you can breathe in and out.
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Lung Volume Test – Checks the total capacity of your lungs.
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Diffusion Capacity Test (DLCO) – Measures how well oxygen passes from your lungs into your blood.
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Body Plethysmography – A detailed test for lung volume using a small cabin.
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6-Minute Walk Test – Measures endurance and oxygen levels during walking.
This is why quoted PFT prices vary so much. A plain spirometry is a much smaller test than a full study with lung volumes and diffusion capacity. When you compare rates between centres, check which of the tests above is actually included — that is usually where the difference sits.
Who Should Get a PFT Test?
A pulmonary function test is especially useful for:
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People with asthma, COPD, or chronic bronchitis.
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Smokers or ex-smokers.
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Individuals with persistent cough, wheezing, or breathlessness.
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Workers exposed to chemicals, dust, or pollution.
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Patients scheduled for major surgeries.
How is a PFT Test Done? (Step-by-Step Procedure)
The test is simple, painless, and usually takes 30–60 minutes.
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You’ll sit comfortably with a nose clip.
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A mouthpiece connected to a machine is provided.
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The technician instructs you to inhale deeply and exhale forcefully several times.
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In some cases, you may be given medicine (bronchodilator) to repeat the test and check how your lungs respond.
The one thing worth knowing in advance: the accuracy of a PFT depends almost entirely on your effort. The technician will ask you to blow as hard and as long as you can, several times over, and will coach you loudly while you do it. That is normal, not a sign anything is wrong — a half-hearted blow simply produces a result no doctor can rely on.
Preparation Before the Test
To ensure accurate results, follow these guidelines:
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Avoid smoking for at least 4–6 hours before the test.
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Do not eat a heavy meal right before the test.
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Wear loose, comfortable clothes.
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Follow your doctor’s instructions about stopping inhalers or medicines.
Do not stop an inhaler or any other medicine on your own. Whether a bronchodilator should be withheld before the test depends on what your doctor is trying to find out, so ask them — and tell us what you take when you book.
Risks & Precautions
A PFT test is generally safe, but some people may feel:
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Dizziness.
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Mild shortness of breath.
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Temporary coughing.
It is not recommended for patients who recently had a heart attack, severe chest pain, or unstable health condition.
Understanding PFT Test Results
The results of PFT are usually given as percentages compared to normal values for your age, height, and gender. Key terms include:
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FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume) – How much air you exhale in one second.
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FVC (Forced Vital Capacity) – Total air exhaled after a deep breath.
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FEV1/FVC ratio – Helps identify lung disease type.
Abnormal Results Indicate:
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Obstructive diseases (Asthma, COPD) – Difficulty exhaling air.
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Restrictive diseases (Pulmonary fibrosis, obesity) – Reduced lung expansion.
A PFT describes how your lungs are behaving; it does not by itself name the disease. The pattern it shows is read alongside your symptoms, examination and, where needed, a chest X-ray or HRCT before a diagnosis is made.
PFT Test Cost in India
The cost of a PFT test in India varies depending on the hospital, city, and facilities. On average:
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₹500 – ₹2000 per test.
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In metro cities and advanced diagnostic centers, it may cost slightly more.
Our price
| Test | Price (MRP) | |
|---|---|---|
| PFT — Pulmonary Function TestAt Edge Imaging & Diagnostics, West Delhi. The range above is the figure across India, not our rate. | ₹ 2,400 | Book now |
Want today’s exact price?
This is our list price (MRP) and rates are revised from time to time. Because “PFT” can mean anything from a plain spirometry to a full study with lung volumes and diffusion, the exact amount depends on which components your doctor has asked for.
Send a photo of your prescription on WhatsApp and we will tell you exactly what is included, today’s price, and the earliest slot.
PFT test — common questions
What is the full form of PFT in medical terms?
PFT stands for Pulmonary Function Test. It is a group of breathing tests that measure lung capacity, how fast air moves in and out, and how well oxygen passes from the lungs into the blood.
How much does a PFT test cost?
Across India a PFT is generally quoted at ₹500 to ₹2,000, and more in metro cities and advanced centres. At Edge Imaging our list price (MRP) is ₹ 2,400. The spread exists because a plain spirometry is a far smaller test than a full study with lung volumes and diffusion capacity — send your prescription to 9555999960 on WhatsApp and we will tell you which components yours includes and today’s exact rate.
How is a PFT test done?
You sit down and a soft clip is placed on your nose so all your breathing goes through the mouth. You breathe through a mouthpiece attached to the machine, and the technician coaches you to inhale deeply and blow out as hard and as long as you can, repeated several times. In some cases a bronchodilator medicine is given and the test is repeated to see how your lungs respond. It is painless, involves no needles and no radiation, and takes 30 to 60 minutes.
Is a PFT test painful?
No. There are no needles, no injections and no radiation. The only discomfort is that blowing out forcefully several times can leave you briefly light-headed, short of breath or coughing — all of which settle within a minute or two.
Do I need to fast before a PFT?
No fasting is needed. Just avoid a heavy meal immediately before the test, and do not smoke for at least four to six hours beforehand, as both affect the reading.
Should I stop my inhaler before the test?
Only if your own doctor tells you to. Whether a bronchodilator is withheld depends on what the test is meant to show, so ask your doctor and tell us what you are taking when you book. Never stop a prescribed medicine on your own decision.
Who should not have a PFT test?
It is not recommended for anyone who has recently had a heart attack, has severe chest pain, or is otherwise medically unstable. Because the test requires hard forced breathing, your referring doctor decides whether it is safe for you at that moment.
Can a PFT diagnose asthma or COPD on its own?
It gives the key evidence but not the whole answer. A PFT shows whether the pattern is obstructive, as in asthma and COPD, or restrictive, as in pulmonary fibrosis, and whether it improves after a bronchodilator. That pattern is then read together with your symptoms, examination and imaging before a diagnosis is confirmed.
The PFT Test is one of the most effective ways to detect and monitor lung health. Whether you have asthma, COPD, or frequent breathing issues, this test can provide valuable insights. Early diagnosis through PFT helps in better treatment and improved quality of life.
👉 If you experience frequent shortness of breath or coughing, consult your doctor and book a PFT Test today to keep your lungs healthy.
Holding a PFT prescription? Send us a photo on WhatsApp — we will confirm what is included, today’s price, and the earliest slot at your nearest centre.