Spirometry Testing
Spirometry is a lung function test that can help diagnose various lung conditions, most commonly COPD. This page will help you prepare for your test.
How is it done?
If it has not already been done, you will have your weight and height measured. For the spirometry test itself, you need to breathe into the spirometer machine.
First you breathe in fully and then seal your lips around the mouthpiece of the spirometer. You then blow out as fast and as far as you can until your lungs are completely empty. This can take several seconds.
You may also be asked to breathe in fully and then breathe out slowly as far as you can. Depending on the results you may be given 4 puffs of an inhaler and the test repeated.
The test requires maximum effort, so it is important that you are as fit and well as possible.
Important Note
Although spirometry is very useful for helping to diagnose some conditions and monitor their treatment, a normal spirometry test does not necessarily rule out some forms of lung disease.
There can be periods when spirometry tests can be normal even where a lung condition exists such as asthma.
Please Inform Us
Contact staff prior to your appointment if you have had any of these problems in the past 2-3 months.
The test will not be reliable if you are being treated or recovering from a chest infection in the last six weeks. Please postpone the test until 6 weeks after recovery.
Instructions for the Day of Your Test
Follow these guidelines to ensure the most accurate results from your spirometry test.
Wear loose clothing
Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for easy breathing
No large meals
Avoid eating a large meal within 2 hours of your appointment
No smoking
Do not smoke or have any alcohol on the day of the test
No exercise
Avoid exercise for 1 hour prior to the test
Arrive early
Please arrive 10 minutes before your appointment time
Important: Inhaler Instructions
Try to avoid using the blue salbutamol inhaler for 6 hours prior to the appointment. This applies to both spray and powder inhalers.
Please bring all your inhalers with you to your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about spirometry testing.
Need to Cancel or Rebook?
If you need to cancel or rebook your appointment, or have any queries about the information above, please contact us.