Pulmonary Exercise Laboratory

The Pulmonary Exercise Laboratory conducts exercise testing to evaluate cardiopulmonary and metabolic responses and to obtain an overall assessment of exercise tolerance in children with pulmonary, cardiopulmonary and endocrine disorders, as well as in children with symptoms of chest pain, dyspnea and exercise intolerance.

Pulmonary function testing is performed in conjunction with exercise testing in the evaluation of exercise-induced asthma. Procedures and tests include:

• Progressive maximal exercise testing on a cycle ergometer
• Progressive or steady-state submaximal exercise testing on a cycle ergometer
• Steady-rate exercise testing on a motor-driven treadmill preceded and followed by pulmonary function testing to evaluate exercise-induced asthma
• The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) is a simple test that does not require the use of exercise equipment. This test measures the distance that someone can walk quickly on a flat, hard surface in 6 minutes, while also measuring oxygen levels during the exercise.

Request for Pulmonary Function Testing form (PDF)

Referral Requirements

Referrals are required from primary care physicians or other Children's Hospital specialty services. Referrals for patients enrolled in managed care insurance plans also may require authorization from the insurance provider and primary care physician. All necessary referral and authorization forms must be received before the patient's visit. For accurate provider numbers or more information, please call the office number listed.

For more information, please call 412-692-5873.
Fax: 412-692-9719