A pulmonary laboratory technician performs pulmonary function tests to diagnose and treat lung disorders, measures air flow and lung capacity, performs blood gas analysis, maintains equipment, and trains medical staff and patients.
A pulmonary laboratory technician is primarily responsible for instructing patients on specific methods of breathing and performing pulmonary function tests (PFT) to determine the level at which a patient’s breathing processes function. This data is used by doctors to diagnose and treat lung disorders. Types of PFT performed may include spirometry, lung volumes by helium dilution, nitrogen washout, or plethysmograph.
Using the spirometer, the laboratory technician measures the rate of air flow in a patient’s lungs and performs lung capacity tests such as vital capacity and maximal breathing capacity tests. With the help of several analyzers, the technician measures expired air and marks the readings on the analysis meters to transmit to the doctor. A pulmonary laboratory technician must recognize the urgency of a ‘stat’ test and give it top priority, working overtime if necessary.
Working under general supervision, the pulmonary laboratory technician also performs blood gas analysis to determine blood oxygen saturation, pH levels, and hemoglobin counts. He accomplishes this through competent use of sophisticated equipment such as the blood gas analyzer, reflectance oximeter, micro hematocrit centrifuge, and radiometer. The lab technician usually needs to measure sweat chloride to test for cystic fibrosis and may be asked to assist a physician in conducting special procedures, such as a bronchoscopy.
Most pulmonary laboratory technicians are skilled at performing specialized lung function tests on neonatal, intensive care, and critical care patients with the help of augmented mechanical equipment called “hugging machines” that measure exhalation levels. This requires in-depth knowledge of cardiac arrhythmias and lung physiology. Another common duty is metabolic testing of patients on ventilators to measure gas exchange. The technician is called in frequently to perform a stress test of lung function, which includes EKG monitoring, ear oximeter tests, lung mechanics, and gas exchange.
In addition to lung function tests and other tests, the lab technician is also typically responsible for the proper functioning of all breathing equipment. He or she tests, calibrates and maintains all machines to ensure correct readings, following standard procedures. The pulmonary laboratory technician must maintain daily laboratory reports and coordinate closely with the administrator and the pulmonary division physicians, evaluating them of all laboratory activities.
Most senior pulmonary laboratory technicians play an active role in training medical students, house staff, and junior laboratory technicians. Another important duty of the laboratory technician is to confer with the patient in the treatment room and explain in detail the nature of the test and procedures. He or she may also train the patient in the proper use of inhalers or other breathing devices.
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