Diffusing capacity

From WikiMD's Wellnesspedia

Diffusing capacity or DLCO is a medical term that refers to the lung's ability to transfer gases from the air in the lungs to the red blood cells in lung blood vessels. It is an important aspect of the respiratory system's function and is often measured in pulmonary function tests.

Overview[edit | edit source]

The diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO) is a test that measures how well oxygen and other gases can move from the lungs into the blood. This test is often used to diagnose and monitor diseases that affect the lungs, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and pulmonary fibrosis.

Procedure[edit | edit source]

The DLCO test is usually performed in a hospital or clinic. The patient breathes into a machine that measures the amount of gas in the air they exhale. The machine then calculates the diffusing capacity of the lungs.

Interpretation[edit | edit source]

A low DLCO can indicate a problem with the lungs' ability to transfer gases. This could be due to a number of conditions, including emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, or pulmonary hypertension. A high DLCO can indicate a condition where the lungs are overfilled with blood, such as polycythemia or left heart failure.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Diffusing capacity Resources

Find a healthcare provider anywhere in the world quickly and easily!

Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.


Contributors: Admin, Prab R. Tumpati, MD