Spirometry – Lung Function Test

Spirometry is a simple, safe, and non-invasive test that measures how well your lungs are functioning. It assesses how much air you can inhale and exhale, and how quickly you can breathe out. This test helps diagnose and monitor conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pulmonary fibrosis, and is one of the most common and valuable pulmonary function tests.

At Dr Dan’s Medical Clinic, spirometry testing is conducted by our experienced nursing team, with all results carefully reviewed by your doctor.

 

Booking a Spirometry Test  

If your GP has recommended that you book a Spirometry Test, our friendly reception team can make the booking for you and explain the timing of the test to you and provide you with important instructions you must read before your appointment.  Following these instructions will ensure accurate and reliable results.

  • Our reception staff will provide these instructions in writing to you when you book your appointment

 

On the Day of Your Appointment

  • You must be well — please do not attend if you have a cough, cold, or are feeling unwell
  • You are required to provide a negative RAT (Rapid Antigen Test) at the time of your appointment. You may bring either a photo of the result or the actual test with you

 

Medication and Inhaler Instructions

Your inhalers must be ceased prior to testing as follows:

  • Do not use for 4 hours before the test: Ventolin, Respolin, Atrovent, Bricanyl, Asmol, Ipratrin, or Airomir
  • Do not use for 12 hours before the test: Serevent, Seretide, Oxis, Symbicort, Flutiform, Foradile, or Bretaris
  • Do not use for 24 hours before the test: Spiriva, Incruse, Seebri, Spiolto, Brimica, Breo, Onbrez, Anoro, Trelegy, or Ultibro

Important Instructions and Information Before Your Test

  • You must bring your own Ventolin (Salbutamol) inhaler and spacer to your appointment and Ventolin cannot be supplied by our clinic.
  • The test cannot be performed without Ventolin
  • If you do not currently use a Ventolin Inhaler, you can purchase one over the counter at any pharmacy

What to Expect During Your Appointment

Your spirometry appointment will take approximately 45 minutes and includes:

  1. Initial assessment: Your nurse will ask you some questions and record relevant medical information
  2. First test: You will be asked to blow into a machine as hard and as long as you can, usually completing 2–3 attempts to ensure accuracy
  3. Ventolin administration: You will then take your recommended dose of Ventolin and wait in the waiting room for 10–15 minutes
  4. Second test: After the waiting period, you will repeat the breathing test again (2–3 times)
  5. Results: Once the tests are complete, your nurse will review the results with Dr Dan and provide you with a summary

If this is your first spirometry test, you will usually need to book a non-urgent follow-up appointment with your doctor to discuss your results in more detail.

Regular spirometry testing is a valuable part of maintaining respiratory health, especially for individuals with a history of smoking, exposure to airborne irritants, or existing breathing difficulties.