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What are Lung Function Tests?
Lung Function Tests (also called Pulmonary Function Tests or PFT's) evaluate how well your lungs work. These tests examine your breathing and your lungs. They can determine how much air your lungs can hold, how quickly you can move air in and out of your lungs and how well your lungs put oxygen into and remove carbon dioxide from your blood. These tests can diagnose lung diseases, measure the severity of lung problems and check to see how well treatment for a lung disease is working. We aim to get as much information as possible about your breathing, so you may be asked to do several different tasks as a part of the tests. Types of Lung Function Tests Complex Lung Function Full assessment of lung function, e.g. COPD, Pulmonary Fibrosis and Pulmonary Vascular Disease Spirometry – mobile and insitu Assessment of airway function with or without bronchodilator High Altitude Simulation Testing Assesses patients ability to fly with underlying lung disease and if needed, how much oxygen will be required Mannitol Challenge Now recognised as the gold-standard provocation test in assessing airway hyperreactivity, e.g., asthma, exercise induced asthma and cough variant asthma Maximum Inspiratory and Expiratory Pressures (MIP’s and MEP’s) Simple measure of respiratory muscle strength, e.g., assessing diaphragm weakness How long will the test(s) take? Your appointment can take anywhere from 0.5 – 1.5 hours. The exact length of tests will vary for each individual. |
 How can I prepare myself for the tests?
No Caffeine for 4 Hours Prior
You should avoid food and drinks that have any caffeine for 4 hours prior to your test. Caffeine can cause your airways to relax and allow more air than usual to pass through. Water, juice, milk and all other foods are OK.
Do Not Eat a Heavy Meal Just Before the Test
A full stomach may prevent your lungs from fully expanding.
Exercise
You should not exercise vigorously for 6 hours before the test.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
Please wear whatever is comfortable,and avoid tight clothes that restrict your breathing.
No Smoking
Please don’t smoke on the day of your tests.
Avoid taking Inhalers/Puffers that Day
If you use inhalers, try to avoid taking them that day. If you feel you need to take them, take them as early as possible and let the lab scientist know. Please take all other medications as normal. You should be able to resume your regular routine immediately after the test.
Follow up appointments If you need a further appointment, your doctor will organise this as appropriate and let you know. |
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Lung Function Tests |