Pulmonary Function Testing
At POIRIERCASTRO HSE, we take your company’s respiratory health very seriously, and offer the most comprehensive health surveillance programs in the industry.
We begin with evaluating indoor air quality and making any necessary recommendations to keep occupational exposure limits safe, and determine the appropriate respiratory protection that is required. Our team then conducts quantitative mask fit testing using our Portacount to certify the fit and train your employees on the use and maintenance of their masks.
Pulmonary function testing is then used to quantify the effectiveness of your Respiratory Health Program, and ensure that the health of your employees is being maintained from year to year. If the pulmonary function testing results show any signs of abnormality, then clients are referred by our Physician for x-ray testing as a follow up for medical clearance.
Depending on the results of the x-ray and the symptoms that the employee is experiencing, a consult with our Physician specializing in Occupational Medicine may also be indicated. If treatment is required, the Physician will then make any necessary referrals so that the employee can return to health as soon as possible.

PULMONARY FUNCTION TESTING is conducted by our Occupational Health Nurses and Pulmonary Function Technicians onsite at your facility for convenience. The test typically takes 20 min to complete and involves a medical questionnaire, height, weight and blood pressure assessment as well as a breathing manoeuvre.
Employees are asked not to have a large meal, or a cigarette or any vasodilators 1 hour prior to the test. Being that the test also involves forced expiration, some conditions such as a recent stroke or heart attack, cataract or abdominal surgeries, as well as high blood pressure may be contraindicated to testing.
Pulmonary function testing is a requirement under Alberta OH&S Code if workers are exposed to silica, asbestos or lead in the workplace.
Reference: https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/18cab3a0-444a-4303-95ce-3d8d2b1e61c3/resource/383ac443-24a4-477b-8be1-92c1a5eb7c7e/download/whs-pub-ch059.pdf
For more information regarding pulmonary function testing or other services pertaining to respiratory health, please call 1-587-597-8378.