[Pulmonary tests in the office of the internist/general practitioner]

The x-ray and pulmonary function equipment of most Swiss private practitioners should be sufficient to diagnose and treat most ambulatory pulmonary diseases. More knowledge about chest x-ray technique and a well performed forced vital capacity manoeuvre will improve both of their interpretation. Furthermore, a Mantoux test correctly done and interpreted, a simple pleural punction and a quick method of the usual Gram stain of purulent expectorations complete the choice of possible investigations in the ambulatory medicine.