• 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 12  (6) , 747-756
Abstract
The pulmonary diffusing capacity for CO, DCO, was estimated in normal subjects, using both a single breath technique (DCOSB) and a rebreathing technique (DCORB). To measure CO by mass spectrometry, the stable isotope C 18O was used. In 3 normal subjects, DCO was measured at different lung volumes at rest, and at different levels of bicycle exercise. DCORB was, on the average, 30% higher than DCOSB when compared at the same mean lung volume, and both increased slightly during exercise. The advantages and drawbacks of the rebreathing method are critically discussed.