what is dlco

DLCO stands for Diffusing Capacity of the Lungs for Carbon Monoxide. It is a measurement used to assess the lungs ability to transfer gas from inspired air to the bloodstream. During the test, a person breathes in a gas mixture containing a small amount of carbon monoxide, and the test measures how much carbon monoxide passes from the lungs to the blood. DLCO is also known as transfer factor for carbon monoxide (TLCO) . The test is used to evaluate parenchymal and non-parenchymal lung diseases in conjunction with spirometry. It can help assess the severity of obstructive and restrictive lung diseases, pulmonary vascular disease, and preoperative risk. DLCO is a safe, noninvasive way for healthcare providers to get important information about how well a persons lungs are working.