DLCO
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Ongoing Trials on DLCO at Clinical Trials.gov Clinical Trials on DLCO at Google
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US National Guidelines Clearinghouse on DLCO
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Directions to Hospitals Treating DLCO Risk calculators and risk factors for DLCO
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Overview
DLCO stands for the Diffusing capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide, the test used to determine this parameter. DLCO is the extent to which oxygen passes from the air sacs of the lungs into the blood. It was introduced in 1909.[1]
Mechanism of test
The DLCO Test
This test involves measuring the partial pressure difference between inspired and expired carbon monoxide. It relies on the strong affinity and large absorption capacity of erythrocytes for carbon monoxide and thus demonstrates gas uptake by the capillaries that is less dependent on cardiac output[1].
Factors reducing DLCO
DLCO can be reduced by the following:
- Hindrance in the alveolar wall. e.g. fibrosis, alveolitis, vasculitis
- Decrease of total lung area, e.g. emphysema.
- Uneven spread of air in lungs, e.g. emphysema.
- Cardiac insufficiency
- Hemoglobin decrease in blood
- Pulmonary hypertension
Factors increasing dlco include polycythaemia and increased pulmonary blood volume as occurs in exercise.
References
External links
Acknowledgement and Attribution Regarding Sources of Content
Some of the initial content on this page may be incorporated in part from copyleft sources in the public domain including wikis such as Wikipedia and AskDrWiki. Drug information for patients came from the The National Library of Medicine. Infectious disease information may have come from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Differential Diagnoses are drawn from clinicians as well as an amalgamation of 3 sources: 1.The Disease Database; 2. Kahan, Scott, Smith, Ellen G. In A Page: Signs and Symptoms. Malden, Massachusetts: Blackwell Publishing, 2004:3; 3. Sailer, Christian, Wasner, Susanne. Differential Diagnosis Pocket. Hermosa Beach, CA: Borm Bruckmeir Publishing LLC, 2002:7 .
