Respiratory - Advanced Lung Function

What is Advanced Lung function?

You will perform a series of breathing tests through a mouthpiece while seated. A physiologist will guide you through the tests and will encourage you to perform them to the best of your ability. The tests can take from 15 min up to an hour depending on how many have been requested by your doctor.

Why do I need Advanced Lung function test?

Your doctor or nurse has asked for this test to find out more information about how your lungs are working. It can be used as part of a general health check, diagnosis, before an operation, monitoring for some drug therapies or part of your management of known lung problems.

What do I need to do before the test?

• You may be directed to withhold inhalers before the test, if so then this will be directed on your appointment letter
• Take all other medicines as directed by your doctor unless told otherwise
• Do not eat a heavy meal or do lots of strenuous exercise just before the test
• Do not smoke a cigarette for 6 hours before the test
• Wear comfortable clothing that does not restrict your chest
• Do no drink alcohol 4 hours before the test
• If you are breathless walking short distances, then come early to allow lots of time to settle before the test

What does the test tell my doctor or nurse?

The test gives us lots of information about your lungs, including how big they are, how open the airways are and how well you take in oxygen.

Are there any risks to my health?

Advanced lung function tests are very low risk. Your health and suitability will be assessed on the day.

Please call reception to re-arrange your appointment if you have had:

• A heart attack or stroke in the past 6 weeks
• Chest, stomach or eye surgery in the past 6 weeks
• Current chest infection
• Current collapsed lung
• Current blood clots
• Unstable angina
• Unstable aneurysm

Are there any alternatives?

There is no alternative to this test. If you choose not to have the test or are unable to perform the test, your doctor may talk to you about other tests that may be needed to help in your case.

Will I need more tests?

This test may give all the information needed for your doctor. For some people more tests will be needed to look closer at the lungs to find out the cause of the problem. Your doctor will tell you about them only if they are needed.

Mannitol, bronchial provocation or reversibility

If your doctor has told you specifically to withhold your inhalers for the test or has told you that you are having a mannitol/ bronchial provocation/reversibility test, please stop taking all inhalers at least 24 hours prior to the test unless uncomfortable to do so.

What will happen during the test?

You will sit down in a testing chair and given step-by-step instructions what to do by the specialist test operator.

You will do different breathing exercises to look at different measurements of your lung. The test takes between 15-1 hour.

Will I have any pain?

This test is usually painless. It may cause some discomfort for patients with problems such as very severe lung disease or back pain. Some people find that blowing hard can make them cough or dizzy. Please be aware that this is normal. However, please feel free to tell the operating technician on the day if you need a rest. If you have a weak bladder the force of blowing out hard can cause a small leak. If you expect this to happen, then wear some protection.

Walking tests

If you have been referred for a walking tests, please ensure you are wearing appropriate clothes and shoes for exercise. These tests involve walking up and down a corridor to measure how far you can walk and to see what happens to your oxygen levels and heart rate.

What happens to your results?

The referring doctor will receive a copy of your results and discuss them with you at your next consultation or write to you with the results.

The staff that do the test are not allowed to give you the results. The reason for this is that the test results must be taken as part of the full picture, before a decision is made as to whether you require any further action, which may include treatment.

Please read the leaflet and follow the instructions given carefully or it may delay your appointment or even mean that is must be arranged for a later date.

For further information contact:

Cardiorespiratory Investigations Reception, Turnberg Building, Salford Royal Hospital on 0161 206 4748.

Association for Respiratory Technology and Physiology (ARTP)
www.artp.org.uk