`1/D_L = 1/ (D_M) +1/ Theta *1/ (V_C) `

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The diffusion capacity of the lung (D_L) is made up of two components:that due to the diffusion process itself and that attribute to the time taken for O₂ to react with haemoglobin.
 (D_L) is the diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide D_M is the diffusing capacity of the membrane (including the plasma ), theta is the rate of reaction of O₂ (or CO) with haemoglobin and V_c is the volume of blood in the pulmonary capillaries.

 

1                1                    1  
 ------   =   ---------   +   ------------ 

D_L            D_M              (Theta)(V_C)

D_L = diffusion capacity
 D_M = membrane resistance to diffusion
 Theta = reaction rate of uptake of diffused substance
 V_C = volume of capillary blood