Lung Function Testing

What to expect during Lung Function Testing:

Testing is short, simple, and commonly used. Overall, it takes 30-45 mins to complete the test.

Soft clips are placed on your nose, and you breath through a mouthpiece. You will be asked to take a deep breath in and blow out as hard and fast as you can. Salbutamol is then given to see if your lung function improves with this medicine.

During the second test you will need to breathe in a test-gas and hold your breath for 10 seconds. During the last test you will need to maintain a slow constant breath out for 10 seconds.

You feel no pain during the test. Each tests will be repeated at least three times to make sure the results are accurate.

Sometimes you may cough, feel light headed or have chest discomfort as a result of forcefully blowing into the tube. Please let our scientist know if you are feeling unwell.

Preparing for Lung Function Tests

Cardiac / Heart problems:

Heart Attack within the last 7 days
Pulmonary embolism within the last 7 days
History of passing out when coughing

Neurological / Brain problems

Known Cerebral aneurysm, untreated
Brain Surgery within the last 30 days
Eye Surgery within the last 7 days
Recent concussion with ongoing symptoms

Chest or Abdominal surgeries

Known collapsed lung / pneumothorax in the last 30 days
Chest / Thoracic surgery within the last 30 days
Abdominal surgery within the last 30 days
Fever within the last 7 days

We perform a wide array of tests at Bondi Respiratory and Sleep
to tailor and monitor your treatment. These may include:

This test is used to help diagnose asthma where other tests may not have been able to detect it.

It takes up to an hour to perform.

Under controlled conditions, we try to induce a mild asthma attack. Baseline spirometry is performed, and then a low dose of inhaled agent (Mannitol) is administered. The dose of mannitol slowly increases with each inhalation. Spirometry is repeated between each administered dose to assess response. The test stops at the first sign of asthma like reactions, and salbutamol (Ventolin) is given to reverse any asthma response.

...more information

Lung Function Testing

Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing

36 Hours before your test (New patients only): Withhold all long acting inhalers (if able). These include:

6 hours before your test: Withold any short acting inhalers (if able). These include:

2 hours before your test: Do not drink coffee, exercise, smoke, or eat any of the following

Please tell us if you have any of the following problems, as we may need to delay your test:

Spirometry

Fractional Concentration of Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO)

Gas Diffusion studies

Respiratory Muscle Strength Testing

6-minute walk test

Asthma challenge test (Bronchoprovocation)