Spirometry is a simple test used to help diagnose and monitor certain lung conditions by measuring how much air you can breathe out in one forced breath.
Golborne Medical offers Spirometry for diagnostic and monitoring purposes. Appointments are available Monday – Saturday with one of our qualified Health Care Assistant or Nurse. Please read the following information before your appointment
Why has my Doctor recommended Spirometry?
Spirometry can be used to help diagnose a lung condition if you have symptoms of a problem, or your doctor feels you’re at an increased risk of developing a particular lung condition.
For example, it may be recommended if you have a persistent cough or breathlessness and you’re over 35 having smoked for more than 10 pack years.
Asthma and COPD are two conditions that can be picked up and monitored using spirometry. If you have already been diagnosed with one of these conditions, spirometry may be carried out to check the severity of the condition or see how you’re responding to treatment.
What do I need to do to prepare for the test?
If you use bronchodilator medication (medicines, usually inhaled, that help relax and widen your airways), you may need to stop using it beforehand.
You should also avoid smoking for 24 hours before the test, and avoid drinking alcohol, strenuous exercise or eating large meals for a few hours beforehand.
It’s best to wear loose, comfortable clothing on the day of the test.
How is the test performed?
It’s carried out using a device called a spirometer, which is a small machine attached by a cable to a mouthpiece. The spirometer measures the amount of air you can breathe out in one second and the total volume of air you can exhale in one forced breath.
These measurements will be compared with a normal result for someone of your age, height and sex, which will help show if your lungs aren’t working properly. The recordings then need to be looked at by our specialist doctor to see if there are signs of a potential problem.
How long does it take?
A screening spirometry lasts 20 mins but please allow 45 minutes if you are having diagnostic spirometry performed as we need to test before and after we administer a bronco-dilator medication to see how you respond to it. You should be able to return straight to your normal activities after the test.
Getting your results?
The person carrying out the test won’t usually be able to give you your report immediately as the results will need to be interpreted by the doctors. Please contact the Health Care Assistants after 5 working days for the outcome. You will be invited for a follow up appointment or further investigation if the report shows this is needed.
