Lung function tests

What is a lung function test?

A lung function test involves you breathing into different pieces of equipment in order to test how well your lungs are working.

There are several different lung function tests that your doctor may refer you for, these include:

• Spirometry
• Bronchodilator reversibility test
• Gas transfer measurement
• Body plethysmography
• Exhaled nitric oxide measurement

Your doctor may also refer you for additional tests in the Lung Function department, including:

• Respiratory muscle tests
• Pulse oximetry spot check
• Capillary blood gases tests

What is spirometry?

This test measures the volumes and speed of the air you can blow out from your lungs. It will give an indication of the capacity of your lungs and how clear your airways are. For example, the airways may be narrower in conditions such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or asthma.

What is bronchodilator reversibility?

After you have performed the spirometry test, you may be given a bronchodilator. This is a medication that will help to relax your airways. You will be asked to breathe the medication in through a nebuliser.

A nebuliser is a device that uses room air mixed with the medication to create a fine mist. You will be asked to breath this in then wait 20 to 40 minutes for it to take effect.

A repeat test is then done to check whether there has been any improvement.

What is a gas transfer measurement?

The main job of the lungs is to bring oxygen into your bloodstream and to remove carbon dioxide. The gas transfer test estimates how well your lungs work to take oxygen from the air you breathe and put into your bloodstream using a special gas mixture.

We may also take a small amount of blood from a finger to measure your haemoglobin. This will make the test as accurate as possible.

What is body plethysmography?

Body plethysmography, or lung volumes, measures the total amount of air within your lungs and gives us more detailed information about the size of your lungs.

What is an exhaled nitric oxide measurement? (FeNO)

A Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide test measures how much nitric oxide is in your breath. A higher FeNO result may indicate airway inflammation, this can be a sign of asthma.

What are respiratory muscle tests?

Respiratory muscle tests measure how much pressure your breathing muscles can generate when you breathe in or out. This test will check for muscle weakness. There are 2 types of respiratory muscle tests; mouth pressure and sniff (SNIP) pressure tests.

What is pulse oximetry spot check?

Pulse oximetry spot check is a non-invasive measurement of your oxygen saturation and pulse rate. It involves placing a small infrared probe on your finger nail.

What are capillary blood gas tests?

A capillary blood gas test will give us measurements of the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide you are carrying in your blood. A small sample of blood will be taken from your earlobe.

Why do I need this test?

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

• To help determine if the breathing concern you 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 your lungs. You may be asked to have a lung function test before and after starting treatment. This is so that the health of your lungs can be monitored.

What are the risks of lung function tests?

All procedures have some risks, but lung function tests are safe for most people.

The risks of this procedure may include:

• Dizziness
• Breathlessness
• Coughing
• Fainting
• Palpitations or fast heart rate (when taking salbutamol for bronchodilator reversibility testing)

Please complete the enclosed questionnaire before attending for the test.

If you are thought to be at a high risk, then your tests may be postponed or the procedure modified. If you have any concerns, please speak to your physiologist before starting the test.

Are there any alternatives?

Chest X-rays and scans can give some information about your lungs, but not the same information that the lung function tests can provide.

How do I prepare for my lung function test?

• Do not smoke or vape for 1 hour before your test.
• Do not drink alcohol for at least 8 hours before your test.
• Avoid vigorous exercise for at least 1 hour before your test.
• You can eat and drink before your appointment but please avoid eating a large meal within 2 hours. You should also avoid foods high in nitrates such as green leafy vegetables and beetroot.
• Wear comfortable clothing which does not restrict your full chest and abdominal expansion.

You may be asked to stop taking some inhaler medications before having a bronchodilator test (please refer to your letter). Below are examples of the times to avoid using the inhaler(s).

However, if you are feeling very breathless or tight and require your inhaled therapy for relief, please do take your inhalers as normal and inform the physiologist before the test.

What happens before my lung function test?

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.

The physiologist will review your pre-test information to make sure it is safe for you to take the lung function tests.

What happens during my lung function test?

Most of the tests are performed with you seated and your nose sealed with a nose peg.

Contact information

Lung Function Department

Cheltenham General Hospital

Tel: 0300 422 4313

Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm

E-mail: ghn-tr.lung.function@nhs.net

Further information

Website: www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/our-services/services-we-offer/lung-function/