Pulmonary Function Tests: A Critical Tool in the Patient Pathway

Pulmonary function testing (PFT) sits at the heart of modern respiratory care but variability in test selection, interpretation, and real-world application continues to impact diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes. 

This expert-led webinar, presented by Dr. Rory Chan, Consultant Respiratory Physician and Chair of the Scottish Airways Research Network, explores the essential role of pulmonary function tests across the full respiratory patient pathway, from early diagnosis through advanced disease management. 

Drawing on the latest BTS, NICE, SIGN and GOLD guidelines, emerging clinical evidence, and real-world case studies, this session goes beyond theory to show how spirometry, DLCO, body plethysmography, FeNO and oscillometry directly influence clinical decisions in asthma, COPD, ILD and complex breathlessness. 

Whether you are diagnosing airway disease, stratifying risk, assessing treatment response or evaluating suitability for advanced interventions, this webinar will equip you with practical insights you can apply immediately in clinical practice.  

This webinar was broadcast on 15 July 2026. A replay is available until Wednesday 05 August. Watch now.

Learning Outcomes 

By attending this webinar, you will be able to: 

1. Appreciate the purpose and clinical role of key pulmonary function tests within the respiratory patient pathway 

2. Recognise the core measurements reported in spirometry, DLCO, lung volumes, FeNO and oscillometry 

3. Describe how pulmonary function testing supports the diagnosis and assessment of asthma, COPD and other respiratory conditions 

4. Comprehend how guideline-referenced pulmonary function results are used to inform clinical decision-making 

5. Identify clinical scenarios where pulmonary function testing contributes to prognosis, monitoring and referral considerations 

6. Understand current trends and areas of debate in the use of pulmonary function testing in respiratory care 

This was filmed live at the inaugural Future Readiness Summit, hosted by Vitalograph, which took place in University of Birmingham, November 2025. A Certificate of Attendance and presentation slides will be provided.