CPFT study guide
CPFT · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) credential is awarded by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) to candidates who sit for the Pulmonary Function Technology (PFT) Examination and reach its lower cut score. The same examination is used for two credentials: reaching the low cut score earns the CPFT, while reaching the high cut score earns the Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT). The CPFT study guide has 5 sections and about 1,668 words.
01Patient Assessment and Preparation
Patient assessment has two jobs: confirming the test is appropriate and safe, and capturing the demographic data that reference equations depend on. Review the order and history for indications (dyspnea, cough, known or suspected obstructive or restrictive disease, preoperative evaluation, disability rating, bronchodilator responsiveness).
318 words, about 2 min02Equipment Setup, Calibration, and Quality Control
Calibration establishes the relationship between a known input and the signal the device records. Verification (the "calibration check") proves that relationship still holds.
324 words, about 2 min03Spirometry and Flow-Volume Testing
Spirometry depends on effort, technique, and coaching; acceptability criteria are the backbone of most questions. An acceptable forced vital capacity maneuver has no artifact (no cough in the first second, no glottic closure, no leak around the mouthpiece, no variable effort, no early termination), a good start of forced exhalation (back-extrapolated volume ≤0.150 L or ≤5% of FVC), and a satisfactory end of test - a plateau (volume change <0.025 L over 1 second), sufficient exhalation duration, or a patient who genuinely cannot continue.
357 words, about 2 min04Lung Volumes and Diffusing Capacity
Plethysmography measures thoracic gas volume (VTG) while the patient pants against a closed shutter at roughly 1 Hz; mouth pressure is assumed to reflect alveolar pressure. FRC comes from Boyle's law, and TLC = FRC + inspiratory capacity.
325 words, about 2 min05Blood Gases, Oximetry, and Special Testing
Arterial blood gas analysis: the radial artery is preferred; perform a modified Allen test when indicated, use a heparinized syringe, expel air bubbles immediately (air raises PaO2 and lowers PaCO2), cap, and analyze promptly - within 15 to 30 minutes, on ice if delay is unavoidable. Results are reported at 37 °C; temperature correction is applied when the patient's temperature is abnormal.
344 words, about 2 min