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Lung Function Testing

If you have a persistent cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, frequent chest infections, breathing difficulties or any other respiratory concerns, please contact your GP and obtain a referral to see one of our Respiratory Specialists for an assessment. Following your consultation, they may refer you for one or more of the tests below. 

 
If you are unsure whether you need to see a specialist or have any questions, please complete the contact form at the bottom of this page and our team will be happy to assist.
 
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Spirometry

Spirometry is a simple breathing test used to assess how well your lungs are working. It measures how much air you can breathe out and how quickly you can do so. This helps your specialist diagnose and monitor conditions such as asthma, COPD, and other lung diseases.

What happens during the test?

  • You'll be asked to wear a soft nose clip so that all of your breathing is through your mouth.
  • You'll breathe into a mouthpiece connected to the testing equipment.
  • After a few normal breaths, you'll take the deepest breath possible and then blow out as hard and as fast as you can until your lungs feel empty.
  • You'll then take a deep breath in again through the mouthpiece.

Each attempt takes less than 30 seconds and is usually repeated at least three times to ensure accurate results.

What does it feel like? The test is safe and non-invasive. Some people may feel slightly light-headed for a few moments after blowing out forcefully, but this feeling passes quickly.

If you've used a peak flow meter before, the test will feel familiar, although you'll be asked to blow out for longer to provide more detailed information about your lung function.

 
Lung volumes

Lung Volumes testing measures how much air your lungs can hold and how well air moves in and out of your lungs. It can help identify conditions that affect lung capacity or cause narrowing of the airways.

What happens during the test?

  • You'll sit comfortably inside a clear glass booth (sometimes called a "body box") with the door closed.
  • You'll wear a soft nose clip and breathe through a mouthpiece, making sure your lips stay tightly sealed around it.
  • The test begins with normal, relaxed breathing.
  • You'll then be asked to do some gentle panting (short, shallow breaths) and take a deep breath in followed by a full breath out.

Each part of the test takes about one minute and is usually repeated at least three times to ensure accurate results.

What does it feel like? The test is safe, painless, and non-invasive. Although the booth is enclosed, it is well-lit and transparent, and our team will be able to see and communicate with you throughout the test. Most people find it comfortable and easy to complete.


DLCO (Diffusing capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide) 

The Diffusing Capacity (DLCO) test measures how well oxygen moves from your lungs into your bloodstream. This helps assess how effectively your lungs are transferring oxygen to the rest of your body.

What happens during the test?

  • You'll wear a soft nose clip and breathe through a mouthpiece.
  • You'll be asked to take a deep breath in containing a very small amount of carbon monoxide mixed with air.
  • You'll hold your breath for a few seconds before breathing out.
  • The equipment measures how much of the gas is absorbed by your lungs.

Is it safe? Yes. The amount of carbon monoxide used is very small and is considered safe for most people. The test is painless and non-invasive.

Important This test cannot be performed if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Please let us know before your appointment if either of these apply to you.

What does it feel like? Most people find the test easy to complete. It involves a few deep breaths and brief breath holds, which are guided by our respiratory physiologists throughout the test.

 
FeNo (Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide)

The FeNO (Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide) test is a simple, non-invasive breathing test that measures inflammation in your airways. It is commonly used to help diagnose and monitor asthma, and to assess how likely you are to respond to anti-inflammatory medications.

What happens during the test?

  • You'll hold a handheld device with a mouthpiece attached.
  • Taking a deep breath in, you'll then breathe out slowly and steadily into the mouthpiece for around 10 seconds.
  • The device measures the level of nitric oxide in your breath, which can indicate inflammation in the airways.

The test takes about 30 seconds to complete and may be repeated once or twice to ensure accurate results.

What does it feel like? The test is quick, painless, and non-invasive. It simply involves breathing into a mouthpiece and does not require any needles, medications, or physical exertion.

Why is this test useful? The results can help your specialist:

  • Identify airway inflammation associated with conditions such as asthma.
  • Determine whether anti-inflammatory treatment may be beneficial.
  • Monitor how well treatment is working over time.
  • Identify people who may be less likely to respond to certain treatments.
 

Static mouth pressures

This test measures the strength of the muscles you use to breathe in and out. It can help identify muscle weakness that may be affecting your breathing.

What happens during the test?

  • You'll wear a soft nose clip and breathe through a mouthpiece.
  • You'll be asked to either breathe in or breathe out as forcefully as possible against a resistance.
  • The test measures how strong your breathing muscles are during these efforts.

Each measurement takes only a few seconds, and the test is usually repeated at least three times to ensure accurate results. The entire test typically takes just a few minutes.

What does it feel like? The test is safe, painless, and non-invasive. You may find the breathing efforts challenging, but they are brief and our respiratory physiologists will guide you through each step.

Why is this test useful? Respiratory muscle strength testing can help diagnose and monitor conditions that affect the muscles involved in breathing, and can assist your specialist in determining the most appropriate treatment or management plan.


Bronchodilators

This test helps determine whether a bronchodilator medication (Ventolin) improves your lung function. It is commonly used to assess conditions such as asthma and is usually performed after Spirometry and/or Lung Volume testing.

What happens during the test?

  • You'll first complete a set of breathing tests to measure your baseline lung function.
  • You'll then be given 4 puffs of Ventolin through a spacer device.
  • After waiting 15 minutes for the medication to take effect, the breathing tests are repeated.
  • Your specialist can then compare the results to see whether your airways respond to the medication.

What does it feel like? The test is safe and non-invasive. Ventolin is a commonly used medication that helps open the airways. Some people may notice mild side effects such as a slight tremor, feeling a little jittery, or a faster heartbeat, but these effects are usually temporary.

Why is this test useful? This test helps your specialist understand whether medications that open the airways are likely to improve your breathing and can provide valuable information when diagnosing or managing respiratory conditions such as asthma.


Arterial blood gas

An Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) test measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood. It provides important information about how well your lungs are transferring oxygen into your bloodstream and removing carbon dioxide from your body.

What happens during the test?

  • A doctor or respiratory physiologist will take a small blood sample from an artery in your wrist.
  • The sample is then analysed to measure oxygen levels, carbon dioxide levels, and other indicators of lung function.

The test usually takes only a few minutes to complete.

What does it feel like? Because the blood sample is taken from an artery rather than a vein, you may feel a brief sharp sensation or discomfort during the procedure. Some tenderness or mild bruising at the site can occur afterwards.

Why is this test useful? The results help your specialist understand how effectively your lungs are supplying oxygen to your body and can assist in diagnosing and managing a range of respiratory conditions.


Exercise assessment – Treadmill

A Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET) measures how your heart, lungs, and muscles work together during exercise. It can help identify the cause of shortness of breath, assess fitness for surgery, and evaluate exercise performance.

What happens during the test?

  • Small sticky sensors will be placed on your chest to monitor your heart rate and heart rhythm.
  • A probe will be attached to your finger to measure your oxygen levels during exercise.
  • You'll wear a mouthpiece that allows us to measure your breathing and the amount of oxygen you use and carbon dioxide you produce.
  • You'll then walk on a treadmill, starting at a slow pace on a flat surface.
  • Every minute, the speed or incline will gradually increase. Our staff will let you know before each change.
  • You'll be encouraged to continue walking for as long as you comfortably can.

Most people walk for between 5 and 15 minutes, although the exact duration varies from person to person.

What does it feel like? The test is safe and non-invasive. As the exercise becomes more challenging, you may experience some breathlessness, which is expected and helps provide valuable information about how your body responds to activity. Our team will monitor you closely throughout the test.

Why is this test useful?  The results help your specialist understand the cause of your symptoms, assess your exercise capacity, and develop the most appropriate treatment or management plan for your condition.
 

Exercise assessment - Bike 

A Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET) measures how your heart, lungs, and muscles work together during exercise. It can help identify the cause of shortness of breath, assess fitness for surgery, or evaluate athletic performance.

What happens during the test?

  • Small sticky sensors will be placed on your chest to monitor your heart rate and heart rhythm.
  • A probe will be attached to your finger to measure your oxygen levels throughout the test.
  • You'll wear a mouthpiece that allows us to measure your breathing and the amount of oxygen you use and carbon dioxide you produce.
  • You'll then begin cycling on an exercise bike at a comfortable, steady pace.
  • Every minute, the resistance on the bike will gradually increase, while you continue pedalling at the same speed.
  • Our team will guide and encourage you throughout the test and let you know what to expect at each stage.

Most people cycle for between 5 and 15 minutes, depending on their fitness level and symptoms.

What does it feel like? The test is safe and non-invasive. As the resistance increases, you may become short of breath or feel your legs working harder. This is a normal part of the test and provides valuable information about how your body responds to exercise.

Why is this test useful? The results help your specialist understand the cause of symptoms such as breathlessness, assess how well your body may cope with surgery, and evaluate exercise capacity and physical performance.

 
6-minute walk test 

The 6-Minute Walk Test measures how far you can walk in six minutes and helps assess how your heart and lungs respond to exercise. It is commonly used for people with heart or lung conditions and can help monitor the effectiveness of treatment. It also provides a good indication of how your condition may affect your day-to-day activities.

What happens during the test?

  • You'll be asked to walk up and down a marked course in the corridor for six minutes.
  • The goal is to cover as much distance as you comfortably can during that time.
  • Before the test begins, your physiologist will explain the route and answer any questions you may have.
  • Your oxygen levels and heart rate will be monitored throughout the test using a small sensor attached to your finger.

What does it feel like? The test is safe and non-invasive. You may become short of breath or tired while walking, but you can slow down or stop and rest if needed. Our team will be there to support and monitor you throughout the test.

Why is this test useful? The results help your specialist assess your exercise capacity, monitor changes in your condition over time, and evaluate how well treatments are working.

Important If this is your first 6-Minute Walk Test, it will usually be performed twice, with a 60-minute rest period between tests, to ensure the most accurate and reliable results.


Hypertonic saline challenge

This test helps determine whether your airways are more sensitive than normal, which can be a sign of asthma. The test measures how your lungs respond to breathing in a fine mist of saline (salty water).

What happens during the test?

  • The test begins with a spirometry test to measure your baseline lung function.
  • You'll then breathe in a fine saline mist through a mouthpiece connected to a nebuliser.
  • The saline is inhaled over a series of increasing time periods:
    • Level 1: 30 seconds
    • Level 2: 1 minute
    • Level 3: 2 minutes
    • Level 4: 4 minutes
    • Level 5: As required (up to approximately 8 minutes)
  • After each dose, you'll wait 90 seconds before repeating the spirometry test to check whether your lung function has changed.

What does it feel like? Most people tolerate the test well. As the test progresses, some people may experience symptoms similar to those they have during asthma flare-ups, such as coughing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. Our respiratory physiologists will monitor you closely throughout the test.

What happens if my breathing is affected? If your lung function decreases by 15% or more, the test will be stopped. You'll be given Ventolin to quickly reverse the effects of the saline and help your breathing return to normal.

Why is this test useful? The results can help your specialist determine whether asthma or airway sensitivity is contributing to your symptoms and guide the most appropriate treatment plan.

Exercise-induced asthma challenge (EIA)

This test helps determine whether exercise triggers narrowing of your airways, which can be a sign of exercise-induced asthma. It measures how your lung function changes before and after exercise.

What happens during the test?

  • A small sensor will be placed on your forehead to monitor your heart rate and oxygen levels during exercise.
  • You'll begin with a 2-minute warm-up.
  • You'll then run on a treadmill until you become short of breath or feel you have reached your limit. This part of the test usually lasts 4 to 8 minutes.
  • After exercising, your breathing will be assessed using a series of five spirometry tests over a 20-minute period to see whether exercise has affected your lung function.

What does it feel like? The test is safe and non-invasive. It is normal to become breathless while exercising, as the aim is to assess how your lungs respond to physical activity. Our respiratory physiologists will monitor you throughout the test and provide guidance and support.

Why is this test useful? The results help your specialist determine whether exercise is causing or contributing to your symptoms and can assist in diagnosing exercise-induced asthma and guiding appropriate treatment.

 
Hypoxic challenge

This test helps determine whether it is safe for you to fly and whether you may need supplementary oxygen during air travel. It simulates the lower oxygen levels experienced during a commercial flight.

What happens during the test?

  • A doctor will take a blood sample from an artery in your wrist to measure your baseline oxygen levels.
  • You'll then breathe a special gas mixture containing 15% oxygen through a mask or mouthpiece while sitting comfortably. This simulates the oxygen levels found in a pressurised aircraft cabin.
  • You'll continue breathing this gas mixture for approximately 15 minutes.
  • During the test, your oxygen levels and heart rate will be monitored continuously.
  • In some cases, a second blood sample may be taken while you're breathing the gas mixture to assess how your body responds.

What does it feel like? The test is generally well tolerated. You may notice mild shortness of breath similar to what you might experience at higher altitudes. Our team will monitor you closely throughout the test to ensure your safety and comfort.

Can I have the test if I use oxygen? Yes. If you currently use oxygen therapy, the test can be performed while you are receiving oxygen to help determine the level of support you may need during a flight.

Why is this test useful? The results help your specialist assess your fitness to fly and determine whether additional oxygen may be recommended during air travel, helping to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.

Induced sputum 

The Induced Sputum Test is considered one of the most accurate ways to identify the type of inflammation present in the airways of people with asthma. By examining cells in a mucus sample from your lungs, your specialist can determine the most appropriate treatment for your condition.

What happens during the test?

  • You'll first complete a hypertonic saline challenge (see the Bronchial Challenge Test section above).
  • The saline mist helps loosen mucus in your airways, making it easier to produce a sputum (phlegm) sample.
  • You'll be asked to cough up a sample of sputum from your lungs.
  • The sample is then processed immediately in our laboratory, where the cells are examined under a microscope.

What does it feel like? The test is non-invasive and generally well tolerated. Breathing in the saline mist may cause you to cough, which is a normal and expected part of the procedure.

Why is this test useful? By identifying the specific type of airway inflammation present, this test can help your specialist:

  • Confirm the nature of your asthma.
  • Determine which treatments are most likely to be effective.
  • Avoid unnecessary medications.
  • Develop a more personalised treatment plan tailored to your condition.

This detailed assessment can lead to more targeted treatment and improved asthma control.

Airways Assessment

An Airways Assessment helps identify whether your airways are overly sensitive or inflamed, which may be associated with asthma and other respiratory conditions. It also allows us to collect a sputum (phlegm) sample that can provide valuable information about the type of inflammation present in your airways.

What happens during the test?

  • The test begins with a spirometry test to measure your baseline lung function.
  • You'll then breathe in a fine mist of hypertonic saline (salty water) through a nebuliser and mouthpiece.
  • The saline is inhaled in gradually increasing doses:
    • Level 1: 30 seconds
    • Level 2: 1 minute
    • Level 3: 2 minutes
    • Level 4: 4 minutes
    • Level 5: 4 minutes
    • Level 6: 4 minutes
  • The saline helps loosen mucus in your airways, making it easier to cough up a sputum sample.
  • Any sputum produced will be collected in a specimen container and sent to the laboratory for analysis.
  • Spirometry is repeated approximately one minute after each dose to monitor your lung function throughout the test.

The test can take up to 30 minutes to complete.

What does it feel like? The test is generally well tolerated. Breathing in the saline mist may cause coughing, throat irritation, mild chest tightness, or shortness of breath. These effects are expected and usually temporary.

What happens if my breathing is affected? Your lung function will be closely monitored throughout the test. If it decreases by 10–15% or more, the test will be stopped and you'll be given Ventolin to help quickly open your airways and return your breathing to normal.

Why is this test useful? The results can help your specialist better understand the cause of your symptoms, assess airway sensitivity, and determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your condition.

Contact us now or please obtain a referral from you GP

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