Respiratory Information
Your respiratory health is important, and we’re here to provide you with comprehensive care. During your appointment, you may undergo several diagnostic tests to assess your lung function and overall respiratory health. Here’s what you need to know about each test.
Spirometry
Lung Function Test
FeNO TEST
Field Test
Spirometry
What is it?
Spirometry measures how much air you can breathe in and out and how quickly you can exhale in one breathe. A Spirometry test is done using a small machine attached to a mouthpiece, called a spirometer.
Importance
Helps diagnose respiratory conditions like Asthma and COPD, monitors lung function, and evaluates treatment effectiveness.
How it’s done
To do the test you need to:
- Sit comfortably.
- Wear a clip on your nose to make sure all the air from your lungs goes into the mouthpiece.
- First do a relaxed breath – it is often described as a big sigh into the machine.
- Then take a deep breath and breathe out as fast and as hard as you can, for as long as you can, through the mouthpiece.
You will need to blow a few times and put as much effort into the test as you can, to get an accurate result. Sometimes you may be asked to take some medication (called a bronchodilator) and asked to repeat the test. This is to see if your airways open up, and if so, by how much.
Lung Function Test
What is it?
There are 3 aspects to this test. It measures:
- How much air your lungs can hold.
- How well you move air in and out of your lungs when you breathe.
- How well your lungs absorb oxygen from the air you breathe and move it into your blood.
Importance
Provides insights into lung capacity and function, aiding in the diagnosis and management of respiratory conditions.
How it’s done
You may be seated inside a sealed booth or wear a special mask connected to a machine. This test should take no longer than 1 hour.
FeNO Test
What is it?
A FeNO test, which stands for Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide, is a non-invasive test that measures the levels of nitric oxide in the breath, which is a marker of inflammation in the airways.
Importance
Plays a significant role in diagnosing and managing conditions like asthma.
How it’s done
You may be seated and asked to breathe into a mouthpiece connected to a machine. This test should take no longer than 15 minutes.
Field Test
What is it?
A Field Test measures your exercise tolerance and overall cardiovascular fitness.
Importance
Provides information about your functional capacity and response to treatment.
How it’s done
You’ll be asked to walk as far as you can in six minutes. This test should take no longer than 30 minutes.
Additional information
Preparation for the Tests
To prepare for your tests, please:
- Avoid smoking for at least 1 hour before the test.
- Refrain from heavy meals and caffeine for at least 2 hours before the test.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing for ease of movement.
After the Tests
You can resume your normal activities immediately after the tests.
Your healthcare provider will discuss the tests with you and explain their implications for your respiratory health. They will be assessed by an appropriately trained member of the team.
Please note, you will not get results at your appointment.
Important Note
If you think any of the below contraindications apply to you, please contact us prior to your appointment.
- Has a current respiratory infection? (that has required antibiotics or steroids)
- Has a Pneumothorax
- Has any undiagnosed cardiovascular status, e.g. Angina, Blood Pressure Problems, Recent Myocardial Infarction or Pulmonary Embolus
- Had recent eye, thoracic, abdominal surgery
- Has any history of Thoracic, Abdominal or Cerebral Aneurysms
- Has recent Nausea or Vomiting
Patient Information Leaflets
Whilst you will receive a paper copy of our patient information leaflets in the post, you can also read them here. Please download, print and complete the questionnaire below and bring it to your appointment.