Exercise Tolerance Test and Exercise for Desaturation Test

Exercise Tolerance Test and Exercise for Desaturation 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.

• Exercising can drop blood sugar in patients who are taking medications to control diabetes.  Bring your glucose meter, test strips, and a source of fast-acting glucose with you (such as glucose tablets or glucose gel).

• Eat a light meal 2 hours before the test.

• Wear comfortable clothes for exercise.  No dresses, please.  Wear tennis (running) type shoes.  Avoid wearing sandals, slippers or high heels.

What is done during the Exercise Test?

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, physician’s assistant or exercise physiologist 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 2 hours.  The Exercise for Desaturation test often takes 1½ hour.  Actual exercise time does not take 2 hours.  Some of the test period is to prepare you for the test and observe you after the test.

How do you get to your test?

On the day of your scheduled test, report to room A310a at Pulmonary Physiology Services, (PPS), located on the 3^rd floor of the May building.  If you have questions please call Pulmonary Physiology Services at 303-398-1530.

Post-test care instructions of arterial catheter site

1. No heavy lifting for the rest of the day.

2. Leave the bandage on for 30 minutes. Remove the bandage and check the site for signs of bleeding.

3. If you see any bleeding from the site or a lump forming under the skin, apply firm pressure for 10 minutes.

4. If bleeding has not stopped and you are still in the clinic, return to Pulmonary Physiology Services for evaluation by a Pulmonary Physiology Services supervisor.

5. If bleeding has not stopped and you have left the clinic, seek emergency treatment.