[Measurement of pulmonary transfer factor using the CO rebreathing method of gas mixtures]

The measurement of transfer factor of the lung with CO rebreathing method (TLcoRB) is presented by slightly modified method of Clark et al. The measurements were performed in 32 healthy subjects and in 24 patients with restrictive or obstructive ventilatory defect and compared with the values of TLcoSB. TLcoRB was in all examined persons cca 30% lower than TLcoSB. Contrary to that Kco in healthy subjects was the same in both methods while the values of KcoRB in patients were slightly lower than KcoSB. It is concluded that measurement of TLco rebreathing method is suitable for routine use. The measurement of TLcoRB may be performed also in patients with severely decreased ventilatory capacity and even at patient's bed. In specialised laboratories for lung function test TLcoRB should be used as parallel method in routine work.