Spirometry Tests
Book your Spirometry Test In Auckland Here* >
Spirometry is a common pulmonary function test used to assess lung function. It measures the amount of air a person can inhale and exhale and the speed at which they can do so.
Spirometry tests are performed to evaluate lung conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory disorders. The test provides valuable information about lung capacity, airflow obstruction, and other parameters that can help diagnose and monitor respiratory conditions.
Who should think about booking a Spirometry Test?
- Patients with newly diagnosed Asthma/COPD, presenting with breathing problems (respiratory symptoms) such as shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness.
- Smokers above the age of 35.
- Patient using Asthma/COPD medicine.
- Patients with a history of Asthma who want to join the police, army, or air force.
When should someone think about booking a Spirometry Test?
Prior to starting preventer medication, if possible asthma patients should schedule an appointment as soon as they are diagnosed to check for the presence of variable airflow limitation.
Patients should consider scheduling an appointment every 1-2 years to check on their lung function. It may be sooner for children and high-risk patients.
What is a Spirometry Test, and what does it measure?
Spirometry is a lung function test that measures the amount and speed of air that can be exhaled and inhaled.
It is useful in the diagnosis of conditions such as asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, and cystic fibrosis.
What happens during a Spirometry Test?
A Spirometry Test is done using a device called a spirometer, which is a small machine attached by a cable to a mouthpiece and air filter. Spirometry is performed by trained health professionals.
A pre-spirometry questionnaire to assess your health status must be completed before undertaking a spirometry. To perform spirometry, the patient must be in a stable condition.
To ensure that the test is done accurately, the patient will be asked to seal their lips around the mouthpiece, then breathe in as deeply as they can and immediately blow out as hard and fast as they can, continuing until their lungs are completely empty.
This is repeated up to a maximum of eight times, with the aim of getting three blows that are acceptable and repeatable.
Is there anything else you should know about Spirometry?
The best thing is for you to talk to your doctor about getting a referral for spirometry, especially for medical purposes. This will help with continuity of care because the spirometry results and management plan will be looked at again.
Book your Spirometry Test In Auckland Here* >
* Please note: If you refer yourself or are referred for a Spirometry Test at Asthma New Zealand, these tests are conducted only in Auckland for the time being.
If you live outside of Auckland, we are happy to refer you on to other health professionals in different regions who will then reach out to book an appointment with you. However, please note that they will be free to charge different prices for Spirometry Tests which may be more than from Asthma New Zealand.
