DLCO
Medical abbreviation · Respiratory
| Stands for | Diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
DLCO stands for Diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide, a respiratory abbreviation.
Pulmonary function measurement of how efficiently gas transfers from the air sacs into the blood, obtained by inhaling a small, safe amount of carbon monoxide and holding the breath for about 10 seconds. It reflects the surface area and thickness of the alveolar-capillary membrane.
Example: Isolated DLCO reduction to 45% with normal spirometry; evaluate for pulmonary vascular disease.
Usage notes
DLCO falls in emphysema, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary hypertension and anemia, so results are corrected for hemoglobin, and it rises with alveolar bleeding and polycythemia. An isolated low DLCO is an important clue to pulmonary vascular disease, as in scleroderma screening. European laboratories call the same measurement TLCO, the transfer factor of the lung for carbon monoxide.
Related abbreviations
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- CPT – Chest physiotherapy
- CSA – Central sleep apnea
- CSR – Cheyne-Stokes respiration
- CTEPH – Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
- DIB – Difficulty in breathing
- EBUS – Endobronchial ultrasound
- EIB – Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction
- ESS – Epworth Sleepiness Scale
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- FEV1 – Forced expiratory volume in 1 second
- FEV1/FVC – Ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second to forced vital capacity
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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.