DLCO

Term: DLCODefinition: DLCO, or diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide, measures how well oxygen passes from the lungs into the blood. It is used to assess lung function in patients exposed to asbestos.Phonetic Pronunciation: (dee-el-see-oh)Origin: DLCO is derived from the medical terminology used in pulmonary function tests. The acronym stands for "Diffusing capacity of the Lung for Carbon mOnoxide." It reflects the clinical focus on measuring gas exchange efficiency within the lungs.Significance in Asbestos Context: DLCO is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring asbestos-related lung diseases, such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. A reduced DLCO value may indicate impaired lung function due to asbestos exposure, guiding treatment and compensation claims.Example Sentence: The pulmonologist ordered a DLCO test to evaluate the extent of lung damage in the patient who had been exposed to asbestos at work.Related Terms: Pulmonary function test, asbestosis, spirometry, gas exchange, lung capacityNotes: - DLCO is only one part of a comprehensive lung function assessment. - A normal DLCO does not rule out asbestos-related diseases. - Environmental factors and other lung conditions can also affect DLCO values.