Transfer Factor Flashcards
1
Q
What is transfer factor?
A
- rate at which a gas will diffuse from alveoli into blood
2
Q
Which gas is used to test diffusion rate?
A
carbon Monoxide
3
Q
Causes of raised transfer factor (TLCO)
A
asthma
pulmonary haemorrhage (e.g. GPA, Goodpasture’s)
left-to-right cardiac shunts
polycythaemia
hyperkinetic states
male gender
exercise
4
Q
Causes of low transfer factor (TLCO)
A
pulmonary fibrosis
pneumonia
pulmonary emboli
pulmonary oedema
emphysema
anaemia
low cardiac output
5
Q
What is the TLCO?
A
total gas transfer (TLCO)
6
Q
What is KCO?
A
transfer coefficient (KCO)
i.e. gas transfer corrected for lung volume
7
Q
KCO increases with age. TRUE/FALSE?
A
TRUE
8
Q
Conditions causing an increased KCO but normal/reduced TLCO
A
- pneumonectomy/lobectomy
- scoliosis/kyphosis
- neuromuscular disorder
- ankylosing spondylitis
(due to KCO being adjusted for lung volume available)
9
Q
A
