Diffusing Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide (DLCO)

Diffusing Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide (DLCO) measures how effectively gases like oxygen transfer from the lungs into the blood. During the test, a person breathes in a small amount of carbon monoxide, which binds easily to blood. The test then assesses how much of this gas is absorbed, indicating the efficiency of the lung's alveoli (air sacs) and blood vessels in gas exchange. A lower DLCO can suggest conditions such as lung scarring, anemia, or other pulmonary issues that impair oxygen absorption into the bloodstream.