Lung Function Tests

There are different reasons why your doctor may have referred you for a lung function test:

• To help determine if the breathing concern you may have is due do a lung condition.
• To help decide if you are fit for surgery and to help the anaesthetist decide if your lungs can cope with any anaesthesia you may be given.
• To monitor the progression of any existing lung conditions.
• To monitor the effects of any medication or treatments that may affect the lungs – you may be asked to have a lung function test before and after starting treatment, so that the health of your lungs can be monitored.

Before your test, the physiologist will measure your height and weight, as well as asking you to confirm your ethnicity. This is so that we can calculate the predicted values for your lung function test results. They will also ask you questions about your current health and medical conditions to ensure that it is safe to go ahead with testing. The tests will last approximately 15-45 minutes, unless an inhaler is also given, in which case it may last up to 60 minutes. We start by checking your recent medical history to make sure it is safe to perform the tests. We also check your height and weight so that we can interpret the results correctly. The tests are performed using a mouthpiece attached to the measuring equipment, and you will wear a nose clip so that no air can pass through your nose.

• Avoid smoking for 24 hours before the test.
• Avoid doing rigorous excercise on the day of the test.
• Avoid tight clothing. Wear loose, comfortable Clothing.
• Avoid eating a large substantial meal at least two hours before the test.
• Avoid drinking alcohol or caffeinated drinks for at least four hours before the test.
• Avoid inhaler use for 8 hours before the test.
• Please take all other medication as usual (unless otherwise stated in your appointment letter).
• The technician doing the test will request medical information before the test to rule out risks and give you advice on what you can do to prepare and if you need to wait before you have the test.
• Please DO Not attend the lab or clinic if you have flu symptoms including sore throat, headaches, fever, cough, runny or stuffy nose, body aches or pains, loss of smell or taste. We have a lot of patients that are older, have low immunity or are very vulnerable due to their medical conditions and greatly appreciate your support in keeping them safe.

You will normally be given a printout of your results straight away, which you can take to show your GP or specialist. If they are done as part of a pre-assessment before heart surgery, you will be able to hand them to the healthcare professional looking after you.

These tests are very safe, but as with any tests there are some minor risks. These can include feeling dizzy, short of breath or coughing. A new mouthpiece will be used for every patient, and other parts of the equipment cleaned or disinfected, to avoid any risk of contamination. Potential but very rare complications include: Airway narrowing in those with sensitive airways, Heart attack in patients with previous cardiac disease. Sudden changes in blood pressure, Stroke, Collapsed lung. Retinal detachment.

You may be advised to wait to have a lung function test if you have had: a recent heart attack (in the last month) Current or recent chest infection (within the last 2 weeks), Chest pain on the day of your test, Surgery in your heart, chest, abdomen or eye, pulmonary embolism, aortic aneurysm or collapsed lung. This is to reduce your risks.

Contraindications For Performing Spirometry

• Please advise us if any of the following apply to you BEFORE attending your appointment.
• Any current respiratory symptoms such as fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, loss of smell/taste.
• Recent contact with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 case.
• Hypertension -resting blood pressure greater than 160/100mHg.
• Unstable cardiovascular status or chest pain within the last 6 months.
• Unstable angina in the past month.
• Recent myocardial infarction (heart attack) within the last 6 months.
• Recent pulmonary embolism (lung clot) in the last 6 months).
• Recently collapsed lung in the last 6 weeks.
• Haemoptysis (coughing blood).
• Chest, abdominal or Brain aneurysms.
• Aortic dissection.
• Recent surgery (including the eye).
• Recent nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
• Cognitive impairment or dementia.

Please Note: you must notify our team if any of the above listed conditions apply to you.

Feel free to contact us if you are unsure.

Please contact us using the phone numbers stated if you have had a recent chest infection, are currently on a course of antibiotics or have just finished a course of antibiotics for your chest. If so, it may not be appropriate to perform the test at this time and your appointment will be rescheduled. If you are unwell, please inform us at the earliest opportunity. If you are unwell on the day of the appointment please call and let us know as this will allow us to rearrange your appointment for a more suitable time.