What is forced expiratory volume

Forced expiratory volume and forced vital capacity are lung function tests that are measured during spirometry. Forced expiratory volume is the most important measurement of lung function. It is used to:. Russo MD - Internal Medicine. Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: E. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.

Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Forced expiratory volume FEV measures how much air a person can exhale during a forced breath. Forced expiratory volume and forced vital capacity are lung function tests that are measured during spirometry. Forced expiratory volume is the most important measurement of lung function.

It is used to:. Russo MD - Internal Medicine. Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: E. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Forced expiratory volume in one second FEV1 is a measurement of your ability to expel air from your lungs.

More specifically, and as its name suggests, it is the amount that is exhaled in the first second of purposefully trying to breathe out as much air as possible. Measured via spirometry , your FEV1 value can be used to help diagnose and monitor lung diseases.

FEV1 testing is used when you have signs of impaired lung function. Many pulmonary diseases affect your lungs in a way that slows down the rate at which you exhale.

However, some lung diseases have a greater impact on your exhalation rate than others, making FEV1 a useful measurement for differentiating between the various types of lung disease.

While results can't diagnose a pulmonary condition, they can be paired with those of other tests to help reach such a conclusion. Your healthcare provider may also perform repeat FEV1 testing to gauge if and how a pulmonary condition such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD is progressing.

Indications for an FEV1 test include:. One of the distinguishing features of FEV1 is that it is time-dependent. Spirometry, for FEV1 or other measurements, requires your cooperation and effort, and it is considered safe.

Using another person's at-home spirometer the device used to measure FEV1 is not advised, as it can expose you to contagious organisms that may lead to infection. Prior to having your FEV1 measured, your medical team will provide you with instructions regarding your medications.

What you take can change your results, and your healthcare provider may want to assess your respiratory function with or without it. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about any new health issues before your test is scheduled.

For example, an infection can affect your results, and your team may want to re-schedule your test after your infection has cleared. It is also important that you let your healthcare provider know if you smoke and how much , as smoking affects your expiratory abilities. An FEV1 test should take about 10 minutes. However, you will likely also have other PFTs, so it is a good idea to check about the anticipated duration of the complete set of tests you'll be getting in advance. Additional testing, such as imaging, can result in your appointment lasting a few hours.

You will have your FEV1 test done either at your healthcare provider's office or a pulmonary function testing laboratory.

Be sure to wear loose comfortable clothing. When you have this test, it is important that you are able to breathe without any restrictions, such as a tight belt or collar.

You can eat and drink as usual prior to having your FEV1 test. The cost of your FEV1 test may be covered by health insurance. However, this is not always the case, and you may be required to pay a co-pay or the whole cost of the test.

Be sure to have the order for your test with you when you go to have your FEV1 measured if it hasn't been filed electronically. You should also bring a form of identification, your insurance card, and a method of payment. In addition to also bringing a list of all the medications you take, bring any prescribed for your pulmonary condition with you as well most importantly, your inhalers.

You will be asked to sit in a chair and begin by breathing comfortably. You will then be given specific instructions regarding how to perform the test, such as when to inhale and exhale, and how to ensure maximal effort. A clip will then be placed over your nose.