Purpose: To measure how quickly and effectively the lungs can be filled and emptied. These measures, termed flow volume loops, are conducted before and after bronchodilator. A bronchodilator acts to open up the bronchial tubes (air passages) of the lungs. This test is particularly important in the diagnosis and management of certain obstructive disorders including asthma and emphysema as well as other lung disorders.

Includes Spirometry, Diffusing Capacity / Transfer Factor and Static Lung Volumes.

Purpose:  Measures the rate at which gas is transferred from the lungs into the blood stream. This provides information on the effectiveness of the alveolocapillary membrane, particularly important for smokers or ex-smokers, and patients with an interstitial lung disease. A blood sample obtained from a finger prick is additionally taken to measure haemoglobin levels. Haemoglobin transports oxygen from the lungs to the body.

Purpose: To measure lung volumes of the various sub-divisions of the lung to determine overall lung capacity. This is useful in diagnosing a variety of lung disorders where lung volumes are increased, indicating gas trapping or hyperinflation and restrictive disorders where volumes are reduced.

Purpose: The Hypertonic Saline Challenge is designed to identify airway hyper-activity. A saline (salty) vapour is inhaled at gradually increasing doses with bronchial flow (spirometry) monitored at each step (i.e. how quickly and effectively your lungs can be filled and emptied). The saline solution has a dehydrating effect on the airways in some people, causing bronchoconstriction or airway narrowing. It is thought that this process imitates the changes that occur in the lungs with exercise-induced asthma. This test is particularly useful if asthma is suspected and previous spirometry results are normal.

Purpose: This test is particularly useful is assessing airway hyper-activity commonly associated with exercise induced asthma. A sugar-based fine powder is inhaled in gradually increasing doses with bronchial flow (spirometry) monitored at each step (i.e. how quickly and effectively your lungs can be filled and emptied). The sugar powder has a dehydrating effect on the airways in some people causing bronchoconstriction. It is thought that this process imitates the changes that occur in the lungs with exercise-induced asthma.

Purpose: Measurement is for the purpose of determining eligibility for pulmonary arterial hypertension medications subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme or eligibility for the provision of portable oxygen. This test should be ordered by a Respiratory Physician.  NO treadmill is involved.

Patient Preparation:

1. Comfortable clothing should be worn including appropriate walking shoes.
2. Take all of your usual medication including any respiratory inhalers.
3. Do not vigorously exercise within 2 hours of beginning the test.
4. No nail polish (due to interference with the transmission of light impulses of oximeter).

Purpose: This is used to assess the nasal airflow and resistance of each nostril. Both baseline and dilation measurements can be obtained. Dilation is achieved via the administration of a nasal decongestant allowing investigation to reversibility of rhinitis / congestion or resistance of an anatomical obstruction. This test can be useful for the diagnosis and treatment of nasal congestion and as an aid to guide effective CPAP application.

Purpose: Measures the level of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood stream as well as other components of blood chemistry, including bicarbonate levels and blood pH.  The blood sample is collected from on artery.

This test needs to be booked in at a Clinpath Laboratory prior to your lung function test.  The results will then be added to your lung function report.