Respiratory therapists provide treatment and diagnostic respiratory services for patients in all clinical areas of Maine Medical Center. Respiratory therapists, in collaboration with the medical team, participate in patient assessments, make appropriate clinical decisions and modify care according to evidence based clinical protocols. They are part of a skilled inter-disciplinary team dedicated to high quality patient care with a focus on treating people with health care issues affecting the cardiopulmonary system such as asthma, emphysema, pneumonia, cardiovascular disorders and trauma. Respiratory therapists are board-certified in respiratory therapy and many hold additional certifications such as:
- Adult Critical Care Specialist (ACCS)
- Neonatal Pediatric Specialist (NPS)
- Registered Pulmonary Function Technology (RPFT)
- Certified Asthma Educator (AE-C)
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
Pulmonary Function Testing
Pulmonary function testing (PFT) is a term used to describe a wide range of studies that are performed to measure a patient’s lung function. PFTs can include simple screening spirometry, lung volume testing, arterial blood gas analysis, diffusing capacity testing, and cardio-pulmonary exercise testing. The results are used by providers to evaluate respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea and coughing and can aid in diagnosing asthma, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The respiratory therapists in the Pulmonary Function Lab perform all non-invasive testing and also support the medical team with invasive testing such as bronchoscopy and lung biopsy. The PFT lab at MMC offers the following tests:
- Screening spirometry
- Spirometry with pre & post bronchodilation
- DLCO
- Lung volume and resistance
- Full PFTs (includes all of the above)
- MMV
- MIP/MEP
- Sputum induction
- Inhaled Pentamidine
- Arterial blood gas analysis
- Methacholine Challenge (Pediatric patients require a Pulmonology referral)
- Cardio-Pulmonary exercise testing (requires a Pulmonary or Cardiology referral)
- Indirect Calorimetry
Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am - 4:30 pm
Location:The lab is on the 4th floor of 22 Bramhall Street in Portland. When you arrive on the 4th floor, look for the “Breathing Test” signs and proceed to our waiting room (room 4220).
Phone: Please call 207-661-3000 to schedule an appointment. If you have questions about testing or an appointment, you can contact the lab during hours of operation at 207-662-4694.
