A Valsalva Maneuver During the DLCOsb

Question

A Valsalva maneuver during the DLCOsb:
A) Is required to properly perform the breath hold
B) May cause the DL/VAto appear artificially elevated
C) May cause the DLCOsb to appear artificially reduced
D) Helps keep breath-hold time between 8 and 12 seconds

Accepted Answer

The Valsalva maneuver, which involves forcefully exhaling against a closed glottis, can cause an increase in intrathoracic pressure and a decrease in lung volume. This can result in an artificially reduced DLCOsb measurement. Therefore, it is not recommended during the DLCOsb test.