Pulmonology Services

Pulmonary Function Testing

Pulmonary function testing is used to measure lung capacity. This test may be used to evaluate conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Pulmonary function testing is painless, and requires approximately 5 minutes to perform. Spirometry (meaning the measuring of breath) is the most common of the Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), measuring lung function, specifically the measurement of the amount and/or speed of air that can be inhaled and exhaled. Spirometry is an important tool used for generating pneumotachograph to assessing conditions such as asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and COPD.

Thoracentesis

Thoracentesis is an invasive procedure to remove fluid or air from the pleural space for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. A hollow needle is carefully introduced into the thorax, after administration of a local anesthesia. If a large amount of fluid is present, then this procedure can also be used therapeutically to remove that fluid and improve patient comfort and lung function.

In-House Laboratory

Clopton Clinic operates a state of the art, full service laboratory. The laboratory performs testing in the areas of hematology, coagulation, chemistry, special chemistry, therapeutic drug monitoring, and serology, and is CLIA certified. Clopton Clinic's laboratory is open 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday thru Friday, and is located on the 1st floor of the 300 Carson building.

CT

Computed tomography (CT), was originally known as "EMI scan". It was later known as computed axial tomography (CAT or CT scan) and body section roentgenography. It is a medical imaging method employing tomography where digital geometry processing is used to generate a three-dimensional image of the internals of an object from a large series of two-dimensional X-ray images taken around a single axis of rotation. CT produces a volume of data which can be manipulated, through a process known as windowing, in order to demonstrate various structures based on their ability to block the X-ray beam. Modern scanners allow this volume of data to be reformatted in various planes or even as volumetric (3D) representations of structures.

X-ray

We also offer on-site X-ray services to perform chest x-rays. X-rays are primarily used for diagnostic radiography and crystallography. X-rays are especially useful in the detection of pathology of the skeletal system, but are also useful for detecting some disease processes in soft tissue. The chest X-ray can be used to identify lung diseases such as pneumonia, lung cancer or pulmonary edema.

Bronchoscopy

Clopton Clinic Pulmonary contracts with St Bernards Medical Center to provide bronchoscopy services. Bronchoscopy is a medical procedure where a tube is inserted into the airways, usually through the nose or mouth. This allows the practitioner to examine inside a patient's airway for abnormalities such as foreign bodies, bleeding, tumors, or inflammation. The practitioner often takes samples from inside the lungs: biopsies, fluid (bronchoalveolar lavage), or endobronchial brushing. The practitioner may use either a rigid bronchoscope or flexible bronchoscope.

Sleep Studies

Pulmonology also offers sleep study services thru contract with St Bernards Medical Center. Our pulmonary staff is trained to provide you with state of the art care at the St Bernards Sleep Disorders Center. Sleep studies are tests that watch what happens to your body during sleep. The studies are done to find out what is causing your sleep problems.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Clopton Clinic disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.

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