This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Sign in
Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages without signing in

Transfer factor

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Determination of the transfer factor provides useful non- specific information regarding the gas-transfer function of the lungs.

To perform the test the patient:

  • exhales completely
  • then maximally inhales air with a trace quantity of carbon monoxide
  • then holds their breath for ten seconds

The transfer factor is the quantity carbon monoxide transported across the alveolar-capillary membrane in each minute per unit of pressure gradient.

There are several variables which can influence the value of the transfer factor recorded, including:

  • an impairment of ventilation / perfusion
  • alveolar-capillary membrane thickness
  • area of the alveolar capillary membrane
  • blood volume in the pulmonary capillaries
  • concentration of haemoglobin
  • the rate of reaction of haemoglobin with CO

Related pages

Create an account to add page annotations

Create a free account

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.