The alveolar carbon monoxide uptake fraction: a simple, alternative measure of carbon monoxide transfer
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Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Phenotyping Mouse Pulmonary Function In Vivo with the Lung Diffusing Capacity
Published on: January 6, 2015
1Clinical Physiology Department, Green Lane Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand.
Abstract:
The measurement and interpretation of "diffusing capacity" by either single-breath or steady-state methods are complicated by both technical and conceptual difficulties. The CO uptake fraction is less complex but, as originally described, it is unacceptably sensitive to dead-space ventilation. A modification (the "alveolar CO uptake fraction", UA) largely removes this factor. We have measured UA in thirteen healthy subjects and 100 patients with a variety of pulmonary disorders. It is reproducible and appears sensitive to clinical abnormality. Its technical and interpretative simplicity suggest its use as an alternative to other measures of CO transfer.
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