KCO stands for the carbon monoxide transfer coefficient, which is a measurement used in pulmonary function tests.
Understanding KCO
KCO, also frequently denoted as DLCO/VA (diffusing capacity per liter of lung volume), serves as an index to evaluate the efficiency of the alveolar transfer of carbon monoxide.
Key Aspects of KCO
Here's a breakdown of the key aspects:
- Carbon Monoxide Transfer Coefficient: This is the actual measurement being taken.
- DLCO/VA: It is often represented as DLCO (diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide) divided by VA (alveolar volume).
- Pulmonary Function Tests: KCO is assessed as part of these tests, which evaluate how well the lungs work.
- Alveolar Transfer Efficiency: KCO indicates how effectively the lungs transfer carbon monoxide from the air sacs (alveoli) into the blood.
In summary, KCO (or DLCO/VA) is a valuable measure derived from pulmonary function tests, providing insights into how well the lungs are transferring gases, specifically carbon monoxide, at the alveolar level.
