Peak Performance - Investigations of respiratory disease - Helium dilution

3 important questions on Peak Performance - Investigations of respiratory disease - Helium dilution

What is the technique for helium dilution?

Spirometre filled with helium and oxygen.
Test begins from the FRC- patient breathes out normally and then breathes in into the spirometre.
Helium diffuses into the lung and reaches equilibrium.
The concentration of helium is measured.

What does the helium dilution technique measure?

The TLC and RV.

Why can this technique not be used in patients with chronic obstruction in their lungs?

The obstruction prevents the helium from reaching equilibrium in the lungs.

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