Exercise Tolerance Test or Exercise for Desaturation Test

What is exercise tolerance testing?
What is exercise for desaturation testing?
How do you get ready for the test?
What is done during the exercise tests?
How long will the test take?
How do you get to your test?

What is exercise tolerance testing?

The exercise tolerance test evaluates the ability of your heart and lungs to provide oxygen and remove carbon dioxide from the bloodstream before, during and after you exercise.

What is exercise for desaturation testing?

The exercise for desaturation test evaluates your oxygen needs at rest and during exercise.

How do you get ready for the test?

• Continue to take all of your medicine as you usually do.
• Dress for exercise. Wear or bring a shirt or blouse that buttons down the front. No dresses, please. Wear tennis (running) type shoes. Avoid wearing sandals, slippers or high heels.

What is done during the exercise tests?

A technician will explain what you need to do during the exercise test. Before the testing begins EKG electrodes will be placed on your chest to monitor you heart. Your blood pressure will be taken before, during and after you exercise. A pulse oximeter will be placed on your earlobe or fingertip to monitor your oxygen. If arterial blood gas samples will be taken while you exercise a catheter will be placed in an artery in your arm.

Exercise Tolerance Test

If you are doing the exercise tolerance test, you will be asked to ride a stationary bicycle. You will be monitored before, during and after you exercise. A doctor or physician's assistant will be present while you exercise.

Exercise for Desaturation Test

If you are doing the exercise for desaturation test, you will be asked to walk on a treadmill at a comfortable pace for a maximum of 6 minutes per exercise period. Multiple 6 minute walking exercise periods may be required. You may be asked to wear oxygen during the testing periods.

How long will the test take?

The Exercise Tolerance test often takes 3 hours. The Exercise for Desaturation test often takes 1½ hour. Actual exercise time does not take 3 hours. Some of the test period is to prepare you for the test and observe you after the test.

How do you get to the test?

Your test will be in the Pulmonary Physiology Unit (PPU). On the day of your test, first report to the Admissions Desk just inside the Main Entrance. Then, take the elevator in the lobby just north of the Main Entrance up to the third floor.

If you have questions, or will not be able to make your appointment, please call: 303-398-1530.

Get directions to and view a campus map of National Jewish Health .

This information has been approved by Rand E. Sutherland, MD, MPH  and Joyce Cantebury, RPFT, MEd., MHA (June 2006).