Functional vital capacity (FVC)

Definition

Functional Vital Capacity (FVC) is the maximum amount of air a person can forcibly exhale after taking the deepest breath possible. It is a key measure in assessing pulmonary function.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. FVC is typically measured using a spirometer during a pulmonary function test.
2. A lower-than-normal FVC can indicate restrictive lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis or muscular dystrophy.
3. FVC values are often compared to predicted normal values based on age, sex, height, and ethnicity to assess lung health.
4. The FEV1/FVC ratio is another important metric derived from the FVC test, useful for diagnosing obstructive lung diseases like asthma or COPD.
5. During the FVC test, it is essential that the patient provides maximal effort to ensure accurate results.

Related terms

Spirometer: A device used to measure the volume of air inhaled and exhaled by the lungs.

FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in one second): The amount of air a person can forcefully exhale in one second after taking a deep breath.

Pulmonary Function Test (PFT): A group of tests designed to evaluate how well the lungs are working.