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Home > Our Services > Clinical Spirometry
NHG Diagnostics on Clinical Spirometry
• Spirometry Eligibility
• Spirometry Preparation
• Spirometry Advice
• Spirometry Procedure

Spirometry is a simple non-invasive test to measure the function of the lungs. It is used mainly for detection and quantitation of airflow obstruction and assists in the diagnosis of dyspnea (breathlessness), as well as determine the severity of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). It is now available in NHG Polyclinic with appointment.

Who should come for Spirometry?
 
 
1
 Smokers above 40 years of age.  
         
 
2
 Ex-smokers.  
         
 
3
 Asthmatics.  
       
 
4
 Patients with chronic coughs or episodes of wheezing or dyspnea  
 
   
 
5
 Patients whose occupations may expose them to respiratory irritants such as fumes and dusts.  
 
     
 
Preparation for a pulmonary function test
 
     
       
 
1
 24 hours before test:  
 
•
 Stop taking some or all of your medication as advised by your doctor.
•
 Have a good night sleep before the test.
 
       
 
2
 8 hours before test:  
   
•
 Do not smoke or eat a heavy meal.
 
       
 
3
 4 hours before the test:  
   
•
 Do not carry out any strenuous activity.
•
 Wear comfortable clothes when you come for the test.
 
 
   
 
     
 
 
Medications to avoid before test.
For accuracy of the test results, you are advised not to take any of the following medications (if possible) according to the hours indicated below.
 
  Bronchodilators to be avoided.  
 
6 hours before test 8 hours before test 24 hours before the test:
•
 Atrovent
•
 Ventolin
•
 Bricanyl
•
 Berodual
•
 Berotec
•
 Respolin
•
 Aeromir
•
 Ventide
•
 Ventodisk
•
 Buventol
•
 Foradil
•
 Serevent
•
 Oxis
•
 Seretide
•
 Spiriva
 
 
  Tablets to be avoided.  
 
8 hours before test 24 hours before test 36 - 48 hours before test
•
 Bricanyl
•
 Salbutamol
•
 Ventolin
•
 Volmax
•
 Theo-Dur
•
 Theolin
•
 Theoplus
•
 Neulin
•
 Theophylline
•
 Theo-24
 
 
       
 
 
 
  The Procedure:    
 
1
 Your height and weight will be taken.
   
2
 The test will be performed with you seated upright.
 
3
 You need to take a deep breathe and exhale hard & fast into the spirometer until you are unable to exhale anymore.
 
4
 You are not to lean forward during the procedure.
 
5
 You may be required to repeat the same test a few times to ensure consistent results.
 
6
 A bronchodilator challenge test (Post test) will be performed upon your doctor's request.
   
7
 You need to take 2-3 puffs of a short-acting inhaler (ventolin) and rest for at least 15 minutes before performing the Post test.
 
8
 The entire test takes approximately 20 to 45 minutes.
 
9
 The Pre and Post Test results will be assessed and reviewed by your attending doctor for follow-up management.
     
 
 
 
For an appointment booking, please contact our laboratory based in all NHG Polyclinics.
 
 
 
 
 
      Last update: 31 Oct 08  
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