FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second) is part of the battery of Respiartory Function Tests (RFTs). It measures the volume of air, in litres, exhaled during the first second of a forceful exhalation. A low FEV1 is associated with obstructive lung diseases such as asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).
How the Test is Performed
Respiratory Function Tests (RFTs) involve breathing into a mouthpiece, which is connected to a small machine via some tubing. You will be required to breathe in and out as deeply as possible, and then as fast and as forcefully as possible. The test may make you feel temporarily short of breath, but is otherwise harmless. More sophisticated testing such as gas transfer tests require the patient to breathe into a closed system, via a tight-fitting face mask.
Medical Conditions and Symptoms
Respiratory Function Tests (RFTs) may be requested by your doctor for symptoms such as shortness of breath (dyspnoea), cough or wheezing.
Test Results Explained
Respiratory Function Tests (RFTs) usually aim to distinguish between obstructive lung diseases such as asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis, versus restrictive lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis. The FEV1/FVC ratio is decreased in obstructive lung disease, and usually increased in restrictive patterns of lung disease.
Related Specialists
- Respiratory Physician
- General Practitioner (GP)
- General Physician
- Anaesthetist
- Occupational Health Physician
- Rheumatologist
Related Procedures
- Bronchoscopy
Related Tests
- Respiratory Function Tests
- Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR)
- Chest X-Ray (CXR)
- CT Scan of the Chest
- Bronchoscopy
Also Known As
- FEV (Forced Expiartory Volume)
