TLCO

TLCO, also known as the transfer factor for carbon monoxide, measures how effectively your lungs can transfer oxygen from the air into your blood. During the test, a small amount of carbon monoxide gas is inhaled; since this gas is quickly absorbed by the blood, its uptake reflects the lung’s ability to exchange gases. A normal TLCO indicates healthy lung function, while a lower value can suggest problems like emphysema, fibrosis, or blood flow issues within the lungs. It is an important test to help diagnose and monitor lung diseases affecting gas exchange efficiency.