Certified in pulmonary function technology (CPFT), the team at the state-of the-art Pulmonary Function Lab at Holy Cross Health’s Catherine Yardley Comprehensive Pulmonary Center is prepared to diagnose and treat the full spectrum of lung disorders.

The center recently added the High Altitude Simulation Test (HAST) to determine the need for supplemental oxygen when flying on an airplane or traveling to a higher altitude. The HAST is a safety test for patients who suffer from lung and/or heart disease who may not have the capacity to compensate for the lower oxygen levels experienced while traveling in an airplane and when in mountainous geographical areas like Colorado.

Many patients with underlying pulmonary disease travel by air each year and are therefore at risk for significant cardiopulmonary effects of induced hypoxia at higher altitudes. This includes patients who have severe obstructive disease such as COPD or poorly controlled obstructive airways disease, symptomatic restrictive chest wall condition or respiratory muscle weakness, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary hypertension and lung cancer, as well as patients who have been hospitalized for a respiratory incident within six weeks of intended air travel.

The HAST provides a simple way to identify those patients at risk by simulating conditions encountered at high altitude. It is an inexpensive diagnostic test in which a trained Respiratory Therapist (RT) can effectively calculate a patient’s supplemental oxygen needs for traveling at high altitude. The patient’s vital signs are initially taken at baseline and continuously throughout the procedure. These may include, but are not limited to, their oxygen saturation in arterial blood, heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate/depth and skin/mucosal color. A face oxygen mask is then placed on the patient. The mask is fed with a special gas mixture that simulates the lower oxygen level at high altitudes. During this time, the RT continuously observes, assesses and monitors the patient’s oxygen saturation. If it drops below 90%, a nasal cannula is applied and adjusted to a level that raises the oxygen saturation back up to 90% or greater. This oxygen level is documented along with all other vital signs, and it is reported to the ordering physician.

Our pulmonary function lead, Victor Falcon CPFT, RRT, takes an active role in maintaining quality standards that produce precise test results. Board-certified pulmonologists interpret the results to provide accurate diagnosis for effective treatment.

The HAST can determine the amount of supplement oxygen needed during air travel. Identifying this prior to flying can reduce the chance of an incident occurring during travel, thus allowing the patient to feel safe and enjoy their trip.

Holy Cross Health’s Catherine Yardley Comprehensive Pulmonary Center added the HAST to provide a comprehensive diagnostic menu of tests to best diagnose lung impairment. I believe we are the only facility in Broward County to offer this and the only other one that I know of is in Miami.

In addition, we offer Methacholine Challenge testing, Mannitol Challenge testing and Fractioned Exhaled Nitric Oxide testing (FeNO) to better diagnose and treat asthma, as well as a smoking cessation program. By offering an array of tests we can determine the condition of your lungs, resistance of airflow, lung volumes, the ability of your lungs to absorb and release oxygen and CO2, and how well your airways respond to breathing medications.

To start breathing easier, call (954) 542-2440 or visit Holy-cross.com/lungs. 

Helen Visco is Clinical Manager of the COPD Clinic at Holy Cross Health’s Catherine Yardley Comprehensive Pulmonary Center.