Spirometry is a simple test used to help diagnose and monitor certain lung conditions by measuring how much air you can breathe out in one forced breath.
It’s carried out using a device called a spirometer, which is a small machine attached by a cable to a mouthpiece.
Why spirometry is carried out?
Spirometry can be used to help diagnose a lung condition if you have symptoms, or if your doctor feels you’re at an increased risk of developing a particular lung condition.
For example, spirometry may be recommended if you have a persistent cough or breathlessness, or if you’re over 35 and smoke.
Conditions that can be picked up and monitored using spirometry are:
- Asthma – a long-term condition where the airways become periodically inflamed (swollen) and narrowed
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – a group of lung conditions where the airways become narrowed
If you’ve already been diagnosed with 1 of these conditions, spirometry may be carried out to check the severity of the condition or see how you’re responding to treatment.
What happens during a spirometry test?
You’ll be seated during the test and a soft clip will be placed on your nose to stop air escaping from it.
The tester will explain what you need to do, and you may be asked to have a few practise attempts first.
When you’re ready for the test, you’ll be asked to:
- inhale fully, so your lungs are completely filled with air
- close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece
- exhale as quickly and forcefully as you can, making sure you empty your lungs fully
- This will normally need to be repeated at least 3 times to ensure a reliable result.
Sometimes, the test may need to be repeated around 20 minutes after taking some inhaled bronchodilator medicine. This is referred to as Spirometry with Reversibility.
This can show if you have a lung condition that responds to these medicines.
How long does it take to complete a spirometry test?
A Spirometry test appointment takes around 20 minutes. However, you could be in the surgery for up to 60 minutes if you are also attending for Spirometry with Reversibility.
Depending on the reason for testing you may need to have further testing repeated after taking some inhaled bronchodilator medicine and waiting around 20 minutes for it to become effective. This second stage testing is known as Spirometry with Reversibility.
You’ll be able to go home soon after the tests have finished and return to your normal activities.
Cancellation and rebooking of your spirometry appointment?
Due to the vast amount of time needed to complete a Spirometry test appointment you may have to wait a little time for this to take place.
If you are no longer able to attend, please contact us with as much notice as possible so that your appointment can be used by someone else.
Spirometry Test Criteria
Please read the test criteria below very carefully as failure to follow the correct advice may lead to your Spirometry test being rescheduled.
If you are attending for a Spirometry test with reversibility you must:
- Avoid using any Salbutamol inhalers 6 hours before your appointment.
- Avoid using all other inhalers 24 hours before your appointment.
You should NOT complete a spirometry test if you have had any of the following conditions in the 6 weeks prior to your appointment:
- Collapsed lung (Pneumothorax)
- Pulmonary Embolism (lung clot)
- Coughed up blood (Haemoptysis)
- Unstable heart condition to include Angina or Hypertension
- Heart attack (Myocardial Infarction)
- Stroke (CVA) or mini stroke (TIA)
- Angioplasty (catheterisation of blocked arteries)
- Known brain / chest / abdominal aneurysm
- Chest infection
- COVID infection, or tested positive for COVID-19 virus
- Unstable Glaucoma
- Detached retina
- Perforated ear drum
You should NOT complete a spirometry test if you have had any of the following conditions over 2 weeks prior to your appointment:
- Has an active infection eg TB that hasn’t had treatment
You should NOT complete a spirometry test if you have had any of the following conditions in the 3 months prior to your appointment:
- Head, chest, abdominal or eye surgery
- Increased intraocular pressure
Patient Information Leaflets (Spirometry with Reversibility)
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Patient Information Leaflets (Spirometry ONLY)
Spirometry ONLY Patient Information Leaflet – Marple Cottage Surgery
Spirometry ONLY Patient Information Leaflet – Guywood Practice Romiley