Shunt Study

A shunt study is a procedure to determine if a patient has a lack of response to supplemental oxygen, indicating a shunt problem.

Performing the test

1. You will sit in a comfortable chair on a mouthpiece wearing noseclips.
2. You will breathe normally on the mouthpiece for approximately 20 minutes breathing 100 percent oxygen.
3. An arterial blood gas will be taken from your wrist to be analyzed immediately.
4. You may then be asked to breathe rapidly on the mouthpiece while a second blood gas sample is taken.

A technologist will instruct you on how to perform the test and coach and encourage you to do your best.