Full Lung Function test

You may need a Full Lung Function Test if you have or are being checked for:

Asthma

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

Pulmonary Fibrosis or Interstitial Lung Disease

Emphysema

Sarcoidosis or Autoimmune Lung Disease

Occupational Lung Conditions

Cystic Fibrosis or Bronchiectasis

Before Surgery or Treatment

Persistent shortness of breath

Chronic cough or wheezing

Chest tightness or difficulty breathing

Reduced exercise tolerance or frequent respiratory infections

A Comprehensive Lung Health Assessment is a series of tests designed to evaluate how well your lungs are working. It helps detect early signs of lung disease, monitor existing conditions, and assess overall respiratory health, even if you’re not currently experiencing symptoms.

A specialist lung assessment provides valuable insights into both current lung function and future health risks.
It can:

• Detect lung conditions before symptoms appear
• Identify tumours or nodules in the lungs
• Detect respiratory illnesses such as infections or emphysema
• Evaluate the impact of previous illnesses, including COVID-19, on lung performance

Early detection allows for timely and more effective treatment.

The core test is spirometry which is a simple breathing test that measures how much air you can breathe in and out, and how quickly.
It helps identify airflow obstruction and detect early signs of conditions such as asthma, COPD, or occupational lung disease.

In addition to our standard assessments, we offer a range of specialised lung function tests to provide a full understanding of your respiratory health:

Spirometry Test – Measures how much air you can breathe in and out, and how quickly, helping to detect conditions such as asthma, COPD, and other airflow limitations.

FeNO Test (Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide) – A simple, non-invasive test that measures inflammation in the airways. It’s particularly useful for diagnosing and managing asthma and assessing how well your treatment is working.

Bronchodilator Reversibility Test – Performed after the initial spirometry test, this assesses how your lungs respond to inhaled medication. It helps determine whether your breathing difficulties are reversible, which is key for diagnosing conditions like asthma.

There is no prior prep just wear comfortable clothing. You can eat and drink beforehand but no or vigorous exercise.

Some tests use a spirometer, a device you breathe into (through a mouthpiece) that measure the amount of air and how quickly you’re able to inhale and exhale.

You will be asked to perform multiple attempts and you will wear a nose clip to ensure you breathe through your mouth.

Processed meats such as salami/ham, high oxidant foods like lettuce, berries, turnip tops/chervil are better to avoid. Similarly, anything with high caffeine content such as tea, coffee, and Coca-Cola. These items can affect the results of your lung function tests.

If you take a bronchodilator, please continue to use them as advised by your doctor. If you regularly use bronchodilators (Relievers such as Ventolin or Salbutamol, for example) please do not use them for a few hours before your appointment.

Avoid smoking for 1 hour before testing.

Notify your doctor if you’re pregnant or if you have abdominal swelling, both affect your ability to breathe deeply.

These tests are covered by some insurance provides but please check with your insurance beforehand.

You may feel faint or light-headed due to hyperventilation, but this will resolve in 15-45 minutes.