Patient information:

This testing is undertaken with an experienced Lung Function Technician.

You may be advised to have lung function tests to find out how much air moves in and out as you breathe and to measure the diffusion of gas. Lung function is often measured in a closed see-through cubicle, in a process called plethysmography. Lung function tests are sometimes done before and after taking a medication known as a bronchodilator (asthma reliever medication) to open your airways and look for signs of improvement. 

'Detailed lung function tests' are performed in a lung function laboratory. These tests include the spirometric values, but the total volume of the lungs and various fractions of lung volumes are also measured. The ability of oxygen to diffuse into the blood through the alveolar walls is measured by the 'diffusing capacity', which is low in people with emphysema, interstitial lung disease and pulmonary hypertension.

Your results are compared with a normal non-smoker of your age, height and gender. 

After the procedure:

You will be seen by Dr Kennedy in clinic for a follow-up appointment to discuss the results and their significance.  A copy of your results will be sent to your GP.