Diffusing Capacity (DLCO)

Diffusing Capacity for Carbon Monoxide (DLCO) measures how effectively the lungs transfer gas from the air into the bloodstream. During the test, a person inhales a harmless gas mixture containing a small amount of carbon monoxide, then holds their breath briefly before exhaling. The amount of gas absorbed indicates how well the lungs are functioning at exchanging gases. A normal DLCO suggests healthy lung tissue and blood flow, while a low DLCO can point to issues like lung scarring, anemia, or emphysema, aiding in diagnosing conditions affecting lung gas exchange.