Jul 22, 2026 The 2026 Physician’s Guide to Pulmonary Function Equipment: Choosing the Best PFT System for Your Clinic
Selecting new pulmonary function equipment is a significant investment for any pulmonary practice. Beyond the initial purchase price, the right system can improve diagnostic confidence, streamline clinic workflows, enhance the patient experience, and support long-term practice growth.
The options available to physicians have evolved considerably over the past decade. Traditional body plethysmography systems continue to play an important role in pulmonary laboratories, while newer cabinless technologies have made comprehensive pulmonary function testing more accessible for outpatient practices. Handheld spirometers also remain valuable tools for screening and routine monitoring, depending on the clinical setting.
Each type of pulmonary function testing equipment offers distinct advantages and tradeoffs. Choosing the best fit requires looking beyond product specifications to consider factors such as clinical accuracy, workflow efficiency, available space, staff training, reimbursement opportunities, and the needs of your patient population.
This guide provides an objective overview of today’s pulmonary function equipment to help physicians compare the available options and make an informed purchasing decision. While every practice has unique requirements, understanding the strengths and limitations of each category is the first step toward selecting a system that delivers both clinical and operational value.
What Counts as Pulmonary Function Equipment in 2026
Pulmonary function equipment includes a range of diagnostic technologies designed to evaluate how well the lungs move air, exchange gases, and function as a whole. While spirometry remains the most familiar test, many pulmonary practices rely on additional measurements to fully assess patients with obstructive, restrictive, and interstitial lung diseases.
A modern pulmonary function laboratory may perform several types of testing during a single patient visit, including:
| Test | Clinical Purpose |
| Spirometry | Measures airflow obstruction and bronchodilator response |
| Lung volumes | Evaluates hyperinflation, air trapping, and restrictive disease |
| Diffusing capacity (DLCO) | Assesses gas exchange across the alveolar-capillary membrane |
| Bronchodilator testing | Measures reversibility of airflow limitation |
Many physicians evaluating a new PFT machine are looking for a solution that combines several of these capabilities into a single platform rather than purchasing separate devices.
Today’s pulmonary function testing equipment also includes software that supports quality assurance, automated interpretation, electronic medical record integration, and standardized reporting. These features can reduce administrative work while helping pulmonologist and allergist clinicians produce reliable, reproducible results.
As practices continue shifting toward outpatient care, many physicians are prioritizing systems that provide comprehensive testing without requiring the space or infrastructure traditionally associated with pulmonary laboratories.
The Three Main Types of PFT Systems
Although manufacturers offer a wide variety of products, most pulmonary function equipment falls into one of three categories: body plethysmography systems, cabinless lung volume systems, and handheld spirometers. Understanding how each technology works can help narrow the field before comparing individual vendors.
| Feature | Body Plethysmography | Cabinless Systems | Handheld Spirometers |
| Spirometry | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lung Volumes | ✓ | ✓ | No |
| DLCO | Often included | Often included | No |
| Footprint | Large | Small | Minimal |
| Patient sits inside enclosure | Yes | No | No |
| Best suited for | Hospital PFT labs, academic centers | Outpatient pulmonary practices, hospitals, multispecialty clinics | Primary care, screening, occupational health |
Body Plethysmography
Body plethysmography has long been considered the reference method for measuring static lung volumes. During testing, patients sit inside an enclosed chamber while pressure changes are measured to calculate lung volumes and airway resistance.
These systems have extensive clinical validation and remain widely used in hospital pulmonary laboratories and academic medical centers where comprehensive diagnostic capabilities are essential.
However, body plethysmography systems typically require dedicated space, specialized installation, ongoing maintenance, and a larger capital investment than other technologies. Some patients also find the enclosed chamber uncomfortable, particularly those with claustrophobia, mobility limitations, or significant respiratory distress.
For practices with high testing volumes or complex referral populations, these considerations may be outweighed by the breadth of testing the technology provides.
Cabinless Lung Volume Systems
Cabinless technology has become an increasingly popular option for practices seeking comprehensive pulmonary function testing without the physical requirements of a body box.
Instead of placing patients inside an enclosed chamber, these systems use advanced physiological measurements and proprietary algorithms to calculate lung volumes while patients remain seated in an open environment.
Many cabinless systems also integrate spirometry and diffusing capacity (DLCO), allowing physicians to complete a full pulmonary function evaluation from a single workstation.
The smaller footprint makes this category particularly attractive for outpatient pulmonary clinics, community hospitals, and practices looking to expand diagnostic services without renovating existing space.
One example is the MiniBox+, which combines cabinless lung volume measurement, spirometry, and DLCO testing in a compact platform designed for office-based pulmonary diagnostics. While it is one of several systems available, it illustrates how cabinless technology has broadened access to comprehensive pulmonary function testing beyond traditional pulmonary laboratories.
Handheld Spirometers
Handheld spirometers continue to play an important role in respiratory care, particularly in primary care practices, occupational medicine, community screening programs, and specialty clinics that primarily perform spirometry.
Their portability, ease of use, and relatively low cost make them well suited for evaluating airflow limitation and monitoring chronic respiratory conditions over time.
The primary limitation is that spirometry alone cannot measure lung volumes or diffusing capacity. For pulmonologists managing patients with restrictive lung disease, hyperinflation, or interstitial lung disease, additional testing is often necessary to establish a complete clinical picture.
As a result, many specialty practices view handheld spirometers as complementary tools rather than comprehensive diagnostic systems.
Accuracy and Compliance: What ATS and ERS Standards Actually Require
Accuracy is often the first consideration when physicians compare pulmonary function equipment, and for good reason. Pulmonary function test results directly influence diagnosis, treatment decisions, and long-term disease management. Regardless of the technology being evaluated, physicians should confirm that a system has been validated and supports testing that aligns with current American Thoracic Society (ATS) and European Respiratory Society (ERS) recommendations.
The ATS and ERS publish technical standards that establish best practices for performing and interpreting pulmonary function tests. These guidelines address areas such as patient preparation, calibration, quality control, repeatability, and standardized reporting. Their goal is to ensure that results are consistent, reliable, and clinically meaningful across different care settings.
Importantly, the standards do not endorse one technology over another. Instead, they focus on whether a testing system can produce accurate, reproducible measurements when used according to validated protocols. This means physicians should evaluate the evidence supporting a particular device rather than assuming one category of equipment is inherently more accurate than another.
When comparing systems, ask vendors to provide clinical validation data and published research demonstrating how their technology performs. Independent, peer-reviewed studies can offer valuable insight into how a system compares with established reference methods and how consistently it performs across different patient populations.
Quality assurance features are equally important. Many modern systems provide real-time feedback that helps technicians identify issues such as inadequate patient effort, coughing, early termination of exhalation, or inconsistent maneuvers before a test is completed. These built-in prompts can reduce repeat testing, improve efficiency, and help maintain testing quality across multiple operators.
Calibration and routine maintenance should also be part of the evaluation process. While every system requires ongoing quality control, the amount of daily setup and maintenance varies by technology. Understanding these requirements can help practices estimate the time and resources needed to keep testing running smoothly.
Finally, consider how results are presented. Clear reports with standardized reference values, quality indicators, and interpretation support can help physicians review studies more efficiently while maintaining confidence in the data.
Ultimately, the best pulmonary function equipment is one that combines clinically validated performance with tools that help practices consistently produce high-quality tests.
Space, Workflow, Patient Experience, and Staff Training Considerations
Clinical performance is only part of the equation. The right pulmonary function equipment should also fit naturally into the way your practice operates.
For many outpatient clinics, available space is one of the biggest constraints. Traditional body plethysmography systems often require a dedicated testing room with enough space for the enclosure, technician access, and patient movement. In practices where every exam room is valuable, dedicating that much square footage to a single piece of equipment may not be practical.
Cabinless systems offer a different approach. Because they eliminate the enclosed chamber, they typically require less floor space and can often be incorporated into existing clinical workflows with fewer facility modifications. This flexibility may allow practices to expand pulmonary testing without major renovations or sacrificing exam rooms.
Workflow efficiency is another important consideration. Every additional minute spent preparing equipment, calibrating a system, repeating an unsuccessful test, or manually transferring results affects patient throughput. Over the course of a busy clinic schedule, those minutes add up.
When evaluating a PFT system, consider questions such as:
- How long does a complete test typically take?
- How much daily setup or calibration is required?
- Does the software provide real-time coaching for technicians?
- How quickly are reports generated?
- Can results be transferred directly into the electronic medical record?
A streamlined workflow benefits both clinicians and patients. Faster testing can reduce appointment delays, improve scheduling flexibility, and help practices accommodate more patients without compromising quality.
Patient experience also deserves careful consideration. Pulmonary function testing can be physically demanding, particularly for older adults or individuals with advanced respiratory disease. Some patients become anxious when asked to sit inside an enclosed body box, while others may have mobility challenges that make entering and exiting the chamber difficult.
Open testing environments may improve comfort for these patients and reduce anxiety before testing begins. Although patient preference should not outweigh clinical requirements, a more comfortable experience can encourage better cooperation during testing and contribute to higher-quality results.
Staffing is another practical factor. Like many medical specialties, pulmonology continues to face workforce challenges. Practices benefit from equipment that is intuitive to learn, supports consistent testing across multiple operators, and reduces the learning curve for new technicians.
Features such as automated quality prompts, guided testing protocols, and integrated training resources can help standardize testing and minimize variability between staff members. They also reduce the likelihood of repeat studies caused by technique errors, improving both efficiency and patient satisfaction.
The most appropriate pulmonary function equipment is not simply the system with the longest list of features. It is the one that supports accurate testing while fitting comfortably into your practice’s physical space, staffing model, and daily workflow.
What a PFT System Really Costs and What You Can Bill For
When evaluating pulmonary function equipment, purchase price is often the first number physicians see. However, the initial investment tells only part of the story. A more useful comparison considers the total cost of ownership over the life of the system, along with its ability to support efficient, reimbursable testing.
In addition to the purchase price, practices should account for expenses such as installation, preventive maintenance, service agreements, consumables, software updates, and staff training. Depending on the technology, there may also be costs associated with renovating space, accommodating larger equipment, or temporarily taking a testing room out of service during installation.
Some systems require more routine maintenance than others. Understanding what is included in a service contract, how quickly technical support is available, and whether software updates are provided can help practices avoid unexpected costs later.
Revenue potential should also be part of the conversation. Pulmonary function testing is an important diagnostic service for many pulmonary practices, and the ability to perform multiple tests during a single patient visit can improve both clinical efficiency and patient convenience.
Depending on the patient’s condition and the services provided, practices may perform tests such as:
- Spirometry
- Lung volume measurements
- Diffusing capacity (DLCO)
- Bronchodilator responsiveness testing
Appropriate coding and billing depend on the specific services performed, payer policies, and current coding guidance. Because reimbursement rules change over time, practices should verify coverage and payment policies with Medicare and commercial payers before estimating revenue.
Rather than focusing solely on the acquisition cost, physicians should consider questions such as:
- How many pulmonary function tests does the practice perform each week?
- Are patients currently referred elsewhere for comprehensive testing?
- Could in-house testing reduce delays in diagnosis or treatment?
- Will the equipment support anticipated practice growth over the next five to ten years?
- How much staff time is required to complete each study?
Answering these questions provides a more complete picture of return on investment than comparing equipment prices alone.
For some practices, a lower-cost system may meet current needs. Others may find that investing in more comprehensive testing capabilities allows them to expand services, improve continuity of care, and reduce referrals to outside facilities.
How to Evaluate Vendors: A Practical Buyer’s Checklist
Once you’ve identified the type of pulmonary function equipment that best fits your practice, the next step is comparing manufacturers. While product brochures often highlight technical specifications, the buying process should also include questions about clinical evidence, service, workflow, and long-term support.
A structured evaluation can make it easier to compare systems side by side.
Clinical Validation
Start with the evidence. Ask vendors whether their technology has been evaluated in peer-reviewed studies and how it has been validated against established reference methods.
Questions to ask include:
- Has the system been evaluated in published clinical research?
- What patient populations were included in validation studies?
- Does the technology support testing that aligns with current ATS/ERS recommendations?
- How does the manufacturer demonstrate accuracy and reproducibility?
Strong clinical evidence is especially important when evaluating newer technologies.
Workflow and Ease of Use
A system may perform well technically but still create bottlenecks if it is difficult to operate.
During a product demonstration, observe how the testing process works from start to finish. Consider how long it takes to prepare the patient, complete testing, review results, and transition to the next appointment.
It is also worth asking whether the software provides technician guidance during testing and whether reports are easy to interpret and share.
Integration and Technology
Most practices expect new diagnostic equipment to fit into their existing technology ecosystem.
Ask vendors about:
- Electronic medical record integration
- Report customization
- Data export options
- Software update schedules
- Cybersecurity practices
- Cloud-based or remote support capabilities, if available
The goal is to minimize manual data entry and reduce administrative workload.
Service and Support
Reliable service is just as important as the equipment itself. Even brief periods of downtime can disrupt clinic schedules and delay patient care.
Questions to consider include:
- What is the expected response time for technical support?
- Is remote troubleshooting available?
- What does the standard warranty include?
- Are preventive maintenance visits recommended?
- How are replacement parts handled if repairs are needed?
Speaking with current customers can provide valuable insight into the level of support a manufacturer provides after installation.
Training
Even intuitive systems require onboarding.
Ask how training is delivered, whether refresher education is available, and what resources are provided for new staff members. Practices with multiple testing locations may also want to understand how ongoing education is managed as personnel change over time.
Request a Live Demonstration
Finally, don’t rely solely on marketing materials.
Whenever possible, schedule a live demonstration using realistic clinical scenarios. Seeing the equipment in use allows physicians and staff to evaluate workflow, patient interaction, reporting, and usability in a way that specifications alone cannot capture.
If practical, ask for references from practices similar to your own. A conversation with another pulmonologist who has integrated the system into daily practice can provide perspective that no product brochure can match.
By approaching vendor evaluations with a consistent set of criteria, physicians can compare options more objectively and select a system that supports both clinical excellence and long-term operational success.
Frequently Asked Questions From Physicians Evaluating PFT Equipment
Is body plethysmography still considered the gold standard for measuring lung volumes?
Body plethysmography remains the established reference method for measuring static lung volumes and continues to be widely used in hospital pulmonary laboratories and academic medical centers. However, advances in cabinless technology have given physicians additional options for performing comprehensive pulmonary function testing. The best choice depends on your clinical needs, available space, patient population, and workflow priorities.
What tests should a modern PFT system perform?
That depends on the types of patients your practice sees. For many pulmonology practices, a comprehensive system includes spirometry, lung volume measurement, and diffusing capacity (DLCO). These tests provide a more complete assessment of pulmonary function than spirometry alone and support the evaluation of conditions such as COPD, asthma, interstitial lung disease, and restrictive disorders.
How much space should I plan for?
Space requirements vary significantly by technology. Traditional body plethysmography systems typically require a dedicated testing room and a larger equipment footprint. Cabinless systems generally fit more easily into existing clinic space, making them an attractive option for practices that want to expand testing without major renovations.
How important is software when comparing systems?
Software has become an essential part of pulmonary function testing. Features such as automated quality checks, technician guidance, customizable reports, EMR integration, and standardized interpretation can improve efficiency and help maintain consistency across multiple operators. When evaluating vendors, consider the software experience alongside the hardware itself.
What questions should I ask during a product demonstration?
A demonstration should focus on how the system performs in everyday clinical practice. Ask the vendor to walk through a complete patient workflow, including setup, testing, quality assurance, reporting, and cleaning between patients. It is also helpful to discuss service response times, training resources, software updates, and implementation support.
Should I replace my current equipment or add another system?
Practices expanding their pulmonary services may benefit from adding another testing system, while others may find that replacing aging equipment improves efficiency and reduces maintenance costs. The right decision depends on testing volume, the condition of your existing equipment, available space, and future growth plans.
Why the MiniBox+ Is Worth Considering
Throughout this guide, we’ve explored the factors that matter most when selecting pulmonary function equipment: clinical accuracy, workflow, patient experience, space requirements, long-term costs, and vendor support. The right system is the one that aligns with your practice’s goals while delivering reliable, high-quality pulmonary function testing.
For many outpatient pulmonary practices, cabinless technology offers an appealing balance of comprehensive testing and operational efficiency. It provides the diagnostic information physicians rely on while eliminating many of the logistical challenges associated with traditional body plethysmography systems.
The MiniBox+ is a strong example of how this category has evolved.
Designed specifically for modern pulmonary practices, the MiniBox+ combines cabinless lung volume measurement, spirometry, and diffusing capacity (DLCO) in a compact platform that fits comfortably into an office setting. Rather than requiring an enclosed chamber, the system performs testing in an open environment that many patients find more comfortable.
From an operational perspective, the smaller footprint allows practices to add comprehensive pulmonary function testing without dedicating significant floor space to a traditional body box. For clinics looking to expand diagnostic capabilities, this flexibility can make implementation considerably easier.
The MiniBox+ also supports the workflow considerations discussed earlier in this guide. Integrated software, standardized reporting, and quality guidance help practices perform consistent testing while simplifying the experience for both technicians and physicians.
Of course, no single system is the right choice for every practice. Hospital-based pulmonary laboratories, academic institutions, and research centers may have different requirements than community pulmonology practices or multispecialty clinics. Evaluating multiple vendors, reviewing published clinical evidence, and scheduling hands-on demonstrations remain important steps in the decision-making process.
If your practice is looking for a comprehensive pulmonary function solution that combines lung volume measurement, spirometry, and DLCO in a compact, office-friendly design, the MiniBox+ is well worth including in your evaluation.
Requesting a personalized demonstration is one of the best ways to see how the system fits your clinical workflow, patient population, and operational needs. A live demonstration also provides an opportunity to ask detailed questions, compare features with your current equipment, and determine whether the technology aligns with your practice’s long-term goals.
Final Thoughts
Choosing pulmonary function equipment is about more than purchasing a new diagnostic device. It is an investment in the future of your practice and the care you provide to patients with respiratory disease.
Whether you choose body plethysmography, a cabinless system, or a spirometry-focused solution, the decision should be guided by your patient population, testing volume, available space, staffing, and clinical objectives. Looking beyond specifications to evaluate workflow, service, training, and long-term value will help ensure your investment continues to meet your needs for years to come.
As pulmonary diagnostics continue to evolve, practices have more choices than ever before. Taking the time to compare technologies thoughtfully will help you select a solution that supports accurate diagnoses, efficient operations, and a positive experience for both patients and staff.