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Diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide: updates on recommendations and procedure

Centeno-Sáenz, Gustavo I; Alvarado-Amador, Irlanda; Almonte-Mora, Florisel; Castillo-Ayala, Atzimba E; Camacho-Jiménez, Alan U; Guinto-Ramírez, Paulina; Pérez-Kawabe, Karla M; Pérez-Padilla, Rogelio; Gochicoa-Rangel, Laura; Torre-Bouscoulet, Luis; Thirión-Romero, Ireri





2023, Number 4

2023; 82 (4)






ABSTRACT

The pulmonary diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide is a test that allows quantitative evaluation of the transfer of oxygen from the alveolar air to its union with hemoglobin through the alveolo-capillary membrane. Since its original description in 1957, the pulmonary diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide test has evolved thanks to the advent of rapid response gas analyzers, as well as standardization efforts and vast improvements in the software and reference values. Currently, the singlebreath measurement method is strongly standardized and recommended for clinical purposes. The pulmonary carbon monoxide diffusing capacity with the single breath technique has implications for both the diagnosis and the follow-up and prognosis of patients with chronic diseases not limited to the respiratory system. This document is based on the 2005, 2017 and 2021 European Respiratory Society and American Thoracic Society standards to describe technical recommendations for rapid response gas analyzers-based with the single breath systems. The pulmonary carbon monoxide diffusing capacity is underutilized despite its clinically proven value, which ranks second only to spirometry testing. However, it holds particular relevance for patients with interstitial lung diseases, emphysema, and pulmonary vascular diseases.

KEYWORDS

respiratory function tests, pulmonary diffusing capacity, carbon monoxide, alveolar volume.

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2023, Number 4

2023; 82 (4)