Preparing for your Lung Function Test
Lung function tests involve seated measurements involving specific manoeuvres to test various aspects of your breathing and exercise capacity.
Complex lung function
Standard lung function test, usually performed on initial assessment of breathlessness or a suspected breathing disorder. This is a static test and doesn’t involve exercise.
If safe to do so, reliever/rescue inhalers should be avoided 4 hours prior (Ventolin/Salbutamol, Atrovent, Bricanyl, Asmol, Airomir). Preventer medications should be continued unless advised otherwise. Contact rooms on 07 3123 5350 if uncertain.
Spirometry and Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO)
Key diagnostic tests for allergic/eosinophilic airway disease such as asthma.
Same preparation as complex lung function, plus:
- No food or drink 1 hour prior
- Avoid foods high in nitrates 2 hours prior (leafy greens, beets, carrots, citrus, watermelon, berries, red meat, processed meat, bacon, ham, salami)
Mannitol Bronchoprovocation
Information available on the mannitol page. Certain medications need to be withheld prior to testing.
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET)
Evaluates physiological responses to exercise. Reasons include assessment of breathlessness, respiratory/cardiac disease, and perioperative fitness.
What the test includes:
- Maximal effort test, pedalling on a stationary bike at increasing workloads
- Breathing through a mouthpiece to measure ventilation
- ECG for heart activity
- Finger probe for heart rate and oxygen levels
- Blood pressure measurements throughout
The test runs approximately 5–10 minutes. Allow 45 minutes total (15 min setup, 15 min test, 15 min recovery).
Test preparation:
- Avoid smoking or consuming alcohol
- No vigorous exercise within 30 minutes prior
- Wear comfortable clothing and closed-in shoes
- Avoid eating a large meal within 2 hours prior