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Infant Pulmonary Function Testing (iPFT)

At UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, we believe parents and guardians can contribute to the success of this test and invite you to participate. Please read the following information to learn about the test and how you can help.

Fast Facts About Infant Pulmonary Function Testing (iPFT)

  • Infant pulmonary function testing (iPFT) is a way to measure the breathing of babies and toddlers.
  • The test is done by having your child breathe in a special machine to take measurements of how much air is in his or her lungs.
  • The iPFT is done under sedation. That means that your child will receive medication to make him or her sleep through the test.
  •  When sedation medication is needed, there are special rules for eating and drinking that must be followed in the hours before the test. 
  • This test may be done as an outpatient test through the Same Day Surgery Center at UPMC Children’s Hospital or while your child is a patient in the hospital. 
  • An iPFT takes a total of about 11/2 hours, but recovery from sedation medication may take up to several hours.

Fast Facts About Sedation

  • Sedation means that medication will be given to your child to make him or her sleep through the entire test.
  • Although not deeply asleep, your child will not remember the test at all afterwards.
  • The doctor doing your child’s test will give the sedation medication.