Early detection of pulmonary or cardiogenic pulmonary disease (see Table 14.1)

Differential diagnosis of dyspnea

Presurgical assessment (e.g., ability to tolerate intraoperative anesthetic agents, especially during thoracic procedures)

Evaluation of risk factors for other diagnostic procedures

Detection of early respiratory failure

Monitoring progress of bronchopulmonary disease

Periodic evaluation of workers exposed to materials harmful to the respiratory system

Epidemiologic studies of selected populations to determine risks for or causes of pulmonary diseases

Workers’ compensation claims

Monitoring after pharmacologic or surgical intervention