Prepare for Lung Function Tests

What to do before the appointment?

Please note that some medications and food should be avoided prior to your breathing test. Anti Histamines can also affect testing and should be avoided where possible.

Please read the information about Lung Function Test and watch the videos on this link before the procedure.

Please complete the Contraindications for Performing Spirometry form

Please click here to see more information on Lung Function tests from The Lung Foundation.

Bronchial Provocation Testing

Withhold Time Mannitol, Hypertonic Saline, Histamine
8 Hours Ventolin, Asmol, Bricanyl, Intal, Tilade
12 Hours Alvesco, Atrovent, Flixotide, Pulmicort, Qvar
24 Hours Foradile, Nuelin, Oxis, Seretide, Serevent, Symbicort, Theodur
48 Hours
72 Hours Spiriva, Onbrez, Seebri, Ultibro, Bretaris. Antihistamines Zyrtec, Telfast, Claratyne, Dimetapp, Benadryl
4 Days Singulair
Foods Ingestion of caffeine containing foods such as coffee, tea, cola and chocolate may affect bronchial hyper-responsiveness. These substances should be withheld on the day of the test.

Feno Breath Testing

Withhold Time FeNO Breath Testing
8 Hours On the day of the test, it is recommended to avoid any of the following 1 hour before the test:
  • Eating
  • Drinking
NOTE: It is recommended to perform a FeNO test before spirometry.
12 Hours It is recommended to avoid smoking for 12 hours before the test. It is recommended to avoid eating foods high in nitrates, this includes but is not limited to:
  • Rocket
  • Spinach
  • Lettuce
  • Radish
  • Beetroot
  • Chinese Cabbage
  • Turnips
  • Cabbage
  • Green Beans
  • Leek
  • Spring Onion
  • Cucumber
  • Carrot
  • Potato
  • Garlic
  • Sweet Pepper
  • Green Pepper
24 Hours It is recommended to avoid alcohol consumption for 24 hours before the test.
48 Hours
72 Hours
4 Days
Foods Tips
  • Do not inhale through the nose before exhaling through the mouthpieces.
  • Be seated and relaxed when taking the test.

What will happen at the appointment?

  • Before your test, the techician will check your height, weight and ethnicity to 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.
  • 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.

When to Postpone 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.
  • For 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.
  • 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.