Pulmonary function test (spirometry)

Information leaflet for patients who will undergo a pulmonary function test.

What is a pulmonary function test?
A pulmonary function test is an examination which gives information about the volume, narrowing, elasticity and sensitivity of the respiratory tract. It is also possible to determine which substances narrow the respiratory tract and which medicines can alleviate this narrowing. The examination will give you and your doctor a clear picture of the condition of your respiratory tract.

Preparation at home
In principle, you do not have to prepare at home. However, sometimes your specialist or the pulmonary function technician will ask you to stop taking your medicines some time before the test.
Never do this of your own accord.

Who performs the test?
A pulmonary function test is performed by a specially trained pulmonary function technician. To achieve the best results, some tests will have to be performed several times.

How long will the test take?
This varies per patient, from a minimum of 15 to a maximum of 45 minutes. A pulmonary function test consists of a number of tests. It is not a rule that all tests are performed on all patients. Your doctor has discussed with you which tests will be performed on you.

The test
During a spirometry you will be tested for the following:

1. Your lung volume; this is the maximum amount of air you can breathe in and breathe out.
2. The 1-second value; this is the volume you can breathe out in 1 second.

How does the test go?

• a mouthpiece will be put in your mouth and a clip will be placed on your nose. The clip on your nose ensures that no air will be lost through your nose. You can breathe through your mouth normally.
• the mouthpiece is connected to a measuring device which registers the inhalation and exhalation.
• the pulmonary function technician will give you directions and an explanation of the things you have to do.
• some parts of the test will have to be done several times.
• it is possible that during the test you will feel as if your ears are blocked. This feeling is caused by the fact that your nose is closed off, and will disappear as soon as the clip is removed from your nose.

After the test you will usually be given Ventolin (Salbutamol) or Atrovent (Ipratropium) to inhale. This medicine will dilate the airways. It will take 10 to 30 minutes for the medicine to take effect. This depends on the medication you are prescribed. After the medicine has taken effect, the test is repeated and compared to the measurement before the medicine was taken. In this way, the effect of the medicine can be established.
The results are also compared to an average lung function for someone your age and height.

The resultsWhen all tests requested for you have been performed, the assistant at the outpatients’ clinic will make a checkup appointment with your specialist. It is possible that further tests or treatments are required. Your doctor will discuss this with you.

After the test you can immediately return home or go back to work.

Finally
If, after reading this leaflet, you still have questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Pulmonary Outpatients’ Clinic: 070 - 312 43 93.

Edition: April 2010/51