Michigan Cares

Parents want the best medical care possible for their children. They want to know that the latest technology and range of resources are available, and that the medical staff is not only experienced but also committed to making the experience as comfortable as possible for patients.

The newly equipped pulmonary function lab at University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital offers a range of tests, and also has a staff of experienced respiratory therapists who put both patients and parents quickly at ease with their commitment to patient care.

TECHNOLOGY

The testing performed by the lab includes the measurement of airflow (spirometry), lung volume measurement (plethysmography), infant pulmonary function testing, exercise testing, methacholine challenge testing, quantitative sweat testing (to diagnose cystic fibrosis), and multi-channel respiratory analysis (modified sleep study). The lab also conducts asthma education. The pulmonary lab respiratory therapists also assist with flexible bronchoscopies (when a flexible tube with a camera on the end is inserted down the airway to provide a picture of a patient’s lungs) and maintain the flexible bronchoscopy equipment.

Sweat testing is particularly important because there aren’t many institutions that provide the same quantitative sweat test, which is the only test approved by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Other facilities do screening tests and then refer patients to Mott Children’s Hospital for another sweat test. Shelley Clifton, B.S., R.R.T., C.P.F.T., Manager, Pulmonary Function Lab, says, “We serve patients throughout the state.”

Respiratory therapists at Mott Children’s Hospital can claim long careers here, ranging from 14 to 30 years. Ken Bandy, B.S., R.R.T., Administrator, Respiratory Care, says, “They are an incredibly experienced and dedicated staff. They are so skilled and knowledgeable.”

Bandy comments on the strong collaboration between the physicians and the respiratory therapists. They have a team approach, and there is an openness to input. “It embodies the spirit of Mott Hospital,” he says.

The McLaughlin family shares that opinion. Thirteen-year-old Molly McLaughlin was diagnosed with asthma when she was only six weeks old. Her mom, Jennifer McLaughlin, says they have had a “wonderful experience” with the pulmonary function lab. “The staff are extremely knowledgeable, very friendly, and very good with the kids. They were very patient with Molly.”

The respiratory therapists are “very kid-friendly,” another parent points out. “They laugh and smile a lot.”

Another feature that parents are impressed by is the accommodating schedule. Jennifer says, “They do whatever they have to do to get us in there. If Molly is having any difficulty, they see us right away.” The schedule is organized to accommodate children who need immediate tests. “We usually can accommodate an urgent request the same day,” says Clifton. The doctors appreciate this, too. Marc Hershenson, M.D., Director, Pediatric Pulmonology, adds, “It’s great to be able to offer these tests, especially sweat tests, at a moment’s notice. The patients in the clinic really appreciate it. It saves them an extra trip to the hospital and relieves anxiety by providing answers in a timely manner.”