Lung diffusion test

Measuring the diffusion capacity of your lungs. The diffusion capacity (or transfer factor) is the amount of gas exchanged between the air in the alveoli and the blood in the pulmonary capillaries. Diffusion is measured by inhaling a harmless gas mixture.

Are you a Mynexuzhealth user? Make your own appointment via the mynexuzhealth website or via the appointment module in the mynexuzhealth app.
Not yet a mynexuzhealth user? Request an appointment online.
+32 16 34 34 81 - weekdays from 08:00 to 17:00
View your appointments via mynexuzhealth.

Medical prescription required

You will always need a prescription from your doctor for this test. Bring this prescription with you on the day of the test.

Preparation

No specific preparation is required for a diffusion test.

For a reliable result, we recommend not smoking for 4 hours before the test.

Procedure

A spirometry test is always performed as part of a lung diffusion test.

Duration: 15 minutes (+10 minutes for spirometry)

You breathe in and out through a mouthpiece with a filter.
A nose clip prevents you from breathing through your nose.
Through the mouthpiece, you inhale a gas mixture (carbon monoxide, methane, oxygen, and nitrogen).
After inhaling, hold your breath for 10 seconds.
Then, exhale calmly.

The exhaled gas is analysed. Based on this, the amount of gas absorbed by your body (gas exchange) is calculated.

Safe

A lung diffusion test is completely safe. The composition of the gas mixture is harmless to your health and does not cause any side effects.

Last edit: 28 january 2025