Lung Transplant Tests at University of Colorado Hospital

Lung transplant patients may receive the following tests throughout the lung transplant process.

Common Lung Transplant Tests

Pulmonary Function Test

Measures how well your lungs are working and determines your blood’s capacity to carry oxygen. You will be asked to breath into various machines to determine results.

Ventilation and Perfusion Scan (VQ Scan)

Determines your lung function. To measure Ventilation (air flow) you will breathe into a mask while pictures are taken of your lungs. To measure Perfusion (blood flow) dye is injected into your veins and pictures are taken.

Chest X-Ray

Provides a full picture of your heart and lungs. This will help us determine the amount of lung damage your disease has caused.

Echocardiogram (Echo)

Shows the function of your heart muscle and heart valves. Gel is placed on your chest and an ultrasound machine is used to look at your heart.

Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)

Shows the pattern of electrical waves in your heart. Your cardiologist interprets these patterns to evaluate how your heart is working.

Multiple Gated Blood Pool Scan (MUGA)

Measures how well the left and right ventricles of your heart pump blood. A radioactive dye will be injected into your veins and a machine will take pictures of your heart.

Cardiac Catheterization

Measures various pressures in your heart and lungs. Depending on your age and medical history, dye may be injected into your arteries to study the coronary (heart) arteries. A catheter will be placed in a large vessel in your groin or neck and advanced to your heart.

Blood Tests

Check your:

  • Blood count
  • Blood and tissue type
  • Blood chemistries
  • Immune system function
  • Certain infectious diseases

Tissue Typing

Determines blood type and genetic make-up. These tests determine the compatibility between donor and recipient.

Noninvasive Vascular Studies

An ultrasound-like machine measures the blood flow in your carotid arteries (vessels that supply blood to the brain) and in the vessels in your legs.

Kidney Function Studies

Determine if your kidneys are working correctly. This involves blood tests and a 12-hour urine collection.

Abdominal Ultrasound

Performed on patients 40 years and older, or patients with a history of gallbladder disease, to check for gallstones or inflammation of your gallbladder.

CAT Scan (CT)

A scan that takes pictures of your lungs. These pictures help us determine which lung to transplant. You may also need a scan of your abdomen and pelvis.

Barium Enema (BE)

Performed on patients 40 years and older to examine your large intestine and colon for disease, obstruction or bleeding. A type of dye is put through a rectal tube, and then X-ray and a scope are used to examine the large intestine and colon.

Colonoscopy

Performed on patients 40 years and older to examine the lining of the rectum and colon. A tube is inserted into the rectum and lower colon and a scope is used to check for cancer.