Children's Hospital is part of the UPMC family.
Our Sites
Be safe anytime, anywhere.
To find a pediatrician or pediatric specialist, please call 412-692-7337 or search our directory.
A resource for our network of referring physicians.
For more information about research, please call our main office at 412-692-6438.
Ranked #8 Nationally by U.S. News & World Report.
Spirometry is the measurement of maximal airflow after a deep breath to fill up the lungs. It provides information on the size of the breathing tubes and whether there are any blockages to airflow. This testing requires cooperation that is usually achievable in children 6 years and older.
Spirometry Patient Procedure (PDF)
Plethysmography is the measurement of lung volume. This information is important for patients suspected of having underdeveloped (hypoplastic) or overinflated lungs, as well as patients with abnormal chest walls. The patient is seated in a large Plexiglas box about the size of a telephone booth. The patient breaths into a mouthpiece and is asked to continue making efforts to breath as a small balloon inflates blocking airflow for 2–3 seconds. This testing requires cooperation that is usually achievable in children 6 years and older.
The diffusing capacity of the lung is an evaluation of the gas exchange capability which can be abnormal if there is decreased lung tissue surface area, decreased blood vessels in the lung or anemia. The patient takes a single breath of a gas mixture containing a very small amount of carbon monoxide, and holds his or her breath for 10 seconds. The amount of carbon monoxide that disappears during this breath hold is measured. Notify the technician if the patient is anemic or a smoker.
A number of different respiratory muscles are required to move gas into and out of the lung. These include the diaphragm and muscles between the ribs, as well as abdominal muscles. There are a number of reasons these muscles can become weak including malnutrition and chronic steroid use. The patient is asked to inhale or exhale strongly against a blocked tube.
Oximetry is the measurement of oxygen saturation of the blood. It is a painless, non-invasive test that utilizes a red light shone through a fingertip. Capnography is the measurement of carbon dioxide in a patient’s breath. It is also a painless test that uses a small cannula in the nose or a tracheostomy tube. This testing requires no cooperation and typically lasts less than a minute.
Nitric oxide can be produced by certain lung cells when inflammation is present. Children are asked to breathe quietly into a mouthpiece in an even manner. The nitric oxide concentration is then measured. This testing requires some cooperation to achieve a constant, slow exhalation. This is usually achievable in children 6 years and older.
Exhaled Nitric Oxide Patient Procedure (PDF)
Children's Hospital's main campus is located in the Lawrenceville neighborhood. Our main hospital address is:
UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh One Children’s Hospital Way 4401 Penn Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15224
In addition to the main hospital, Children's has many convenient locations in other neighborhoods throughout the greater Pittsburgh region.
With MyCHP, you can request appointments, review test results, and more.
For questions about a hospital bill call:
To pay your bill online, please visit UPMC's online bill payment system.
Interested in giving to Children's Hospital? Support the hospital by making a donation online, joining our Heroes in Healing monthly donor program, or visiting our site to learn about the other ways you can give back.