Diffusion Capacity for Carbon Monoxide (DLCO)
Diffusion Capacity for Carbon Monoxide (DLCO)
Phase I clinical research unit Convex has expanded its portfolio of diagnostic tools for clinical trials with the latest generation of the SMART PFT body plethysmograph, featuring advanced measurement capabilities for Diffusion Capacity for Carbon Monoxide (DLCO). This state-of-the-art equipment is designed to prioritize patient comfort while ensuring precise assessment of lung capacity and function.
What We Measure with Body Plethysmography at Clinical Site Convex
- Total lung capacity
- Residual volume
- Airway resistance
- Functional residual capacity
- Inspiratory capacity
- Expiratory reserve volume
Why Is Body Plethysmography Critical in Diagnosis during a clinical study?
Body plethysmography is a powerful diagnostic tool for assessing and monitoring a range of respiratory conditions. Key applications include:
- Diagnosis of obstructive lung diseases:
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, bronchiectasis, and cystic fibrosis.
Body plethysmography helps determine the degree of airway obstruction and monitors treatment effectiveness. - Diagnosis of restrictive lung diseases:
Pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis, pneumonia, and lung tumors.
It evaluates the extent of reduced lung capacity. - Evaluation of chest wall and respiratory muscle diseases:
Kyphoscoliosis, neuromuscular disorders, and obesity.
The test reveals breathing mechanics disruptions associated with these conditions. - Differential diagnosis for unclear respiratory symptoms:
Cough, shortness of breath, or wheezing.
Plethysmography helps distinguish between potential causes of such symptoms. - Treatment monitoring:
It enables clinicians to assess the effectiveness of interventions and observe improvements in lung function.
DLCO Measurement Capabilities
Clinical research institution Convex utilizes the SMART PFT DLCO system for rapid and reliable DLCO measurement. This system is specifically designed to provide accurate diffusion capacity testing, even for patients with low vital capacity starting from approximately 0.7 liters.
Key features of the SMART PFT CO Transfer include:
- A fast and highly linear gas analyzer, allowing single-breath testing for diffusion capacity.
In recent years, DLCO testing has gained significant importance in pulmonary function research and is now an integral component of many clinical trial designs
