Diagnostic Procedures

Bronchoscopy is a technique used to look at air passages with a small camera that is located at the end of a flexible tube. This connects to a video screen to view and take photos. The tube also has a small channel to collect tissue samples from your lung that can be used in disease diagnosis. It is done on an outpatient basis, meaning that you can go home the same day of the procedure. 

A lung biopsy may be performed using either a closed or an open method. Closed methods are performed through the skin or through the trachea (windpipe). An open biopsy is performed in the operating room under general anesthesia.

 Thoracentesis is a procedure in which a needle is inserted into the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This procedure is done to remove excess fluid, known as a pleural effusion, from the pleural space to help you breathe easier. It may be done to determine the cause of your pleural effusion. Some conditions such as heart failure, lung infections, and tumors can cause pleural effusions. 

Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are noninvasive tests that show how well the lungs are working. The tests measure lung volume, capacity, rates of flow, and gas exchange. This information can help  diagnose and decide the treatment of certain lung disorders.

Methacholine challenge test (also known as bronchoprovocation test) is performed to evaluate how "reactive" or "responsive" your lungs are to things in the environment.