Respiratory Testing

Breathe easier with our respiratory screening—an advanced, reliable way to assess your lung health. Our clinic offers this quick, non-invasive test to screen for early signs of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) before symptoms worsen, helping you take control of your respiratory wellness.

The test provides critical data on your lung function, including:

• FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in the First Second): Measures how much air you can exhale in the first second, a key marker of lung health.

• FEV6 (Forced Expiratory Volume in the First Six Seconds): Measures the air you can exhale in six seconds, a valuable indicator of airflow capacity.

• FEV1/FEV6 Ratio: This ratio helps detect airflow obstruction, a hallmark of early COPD, allowing us to assess if further testing may be necessary.

Our test is simple yet powerful, using state-of-the-art technology to ensure quick, accurate results with minimal effort—no cumbersome equipment or lengthy procedures. This screening is especially useful if you’re over 40, have a history of smoking, or experience respiratory symptoms like shortness of breath or a persistent cough.

By providing you with real-time insights into your lung health, we can help you take preventive action, optimize treatment, and refer you for full spirometry if needed. Take the first step toward better breathing—schedule your screening with us today.

Here’s why our screening is an essential step toward better respiratory health:

• Early Detection of COPD: Identify early signs of COPD before symptoms progress, allowing for timely intervention.

• Accurate Lung Health Assessment: Gain clear, objective data on your lung function with key measurements like FEV1, FEV6, and the FEV1/FEV6 ratio.

• Quick and Non-Invasive: The test takes just minutes to complete and doesn’t require invasive procedures or complex equipment.

• Ideal for High-Risk Individuals: Especially valuable for individuals over 40, smokers, and those with symptoms like chronic cough, wheezing, or shortness of breath.

• Prevention-Focused: Catching airflow limitations early can help you take preventive steps to manage symptoms and maintain better lung health.

• Better Quality of Life: Early awareness and intervention can slow COPD progression, improve your quality of life, and reduce the need for advanced treatments down the road.

• Easy Access to Advanced Care: If the test indicates a need, we’ll guide you toward full spirometry or other respiratory assessments for a more comprehensive diagnosis. here

The results from the test provide valuable insights into your lung function, helping identify if there might be airflow limitations typical of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Here’s what each key measurement means:

• FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second): This measures the amount of air you can forcefully exhale in the first second of breathing out. Lower FEV1 values can indicate restricted airflow, which is a hallmark of COPD.

• FEV6 (Forced Expiratory Volume in 6 Seconds): This measures the total amount of air you exhale in the first six seconds. It gives us a broader view of your lung capacity and your ability to move air through the lungs over a slightly longer period.

• FEV1/FEV6 Ratio: This ratio compares the FEV1 and FEV6 values to assess overall airflow efficiency. If this ratio falls below a certain threshold, it indicates airflow obstruction, a key sign that may point to early COPD.

Each of these measurements offers clues about your lung health. If the results suggest airflow limitation, we may recommend additional testing, such as full spirometry, for a comprehensive diagnosis. Identifying these changes early can be crucial for preventing further damage, improving quality of life, and enabling you to take proactive steps to protect your respiratory health.

Our test is frequently paired with an ECG, providing a comprehensive overview of both lung and heart function. This combined approach allows us to assess key aspects of cardiovascular and respiratory health in a single visit, offering you a fuller picture of your overall wellness. Book both and receive a discount.

Performing a test is straightforward and takes just a few minutes. Here’s a step-by-step outline of the process:

1. Preparation: The patient is seated comfortably and given instructions to take a deep breath before exhaling forcefully.

2. Device Setup: The device is prepared and calibrated if necessary, ensuring accuracy in the measurements.

3. Testing: The patient takes a full, deep breath in, then exhales into the mouthpiece as quickly and forcefully as possible, continuing for about six seconds. The device will measure the forced expiratory volume (FEV) at one second (FEV1) and at six seconds (FEV6).

4. Repeat for Accuracy: To ensure consistency, the test is repeated a few times (usually three) with short breaks between attempts. This provides reliable and consistent data.

5. Result Analysis: The device calculates the FEV1/FEV6 ratio and provides an indication of any airflow limitations. If the results show reduced airflow, we may discuss further testing or treatment options.

After the test, patients receive an explanation of the results, along with any recommended next steps based on their lung health assessment.

Testing is generally safe, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Patients with certain conditions may need to avoid or delay this test to prevent potential health risks. Key considerations include:

1. Recent Cardiac Events: Patients who have experienced a recent heart attack (within the past 3 months), uncontrolled high blood pressure, or any unstable heart condition should avoid the test, as forced exhalation can place strain on the heart.

2. Thoracic, Abdominal, or Eye Surgery: Recent surgery involving the chest, abdomen, or eyes may make the test uncomfortable or potentially harmful, as forceful exhalation can increase pressure in these areas and affect healing.

3. Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung): Testing is not recommended for patients with a recent history of pneumothorax, as forceful breathing could aggravate the condition.

4. Severe Respiratory Distress: Individuals with severe respiratory symptoms, such as extreme shortness of breath, wheezing, or cyanosis, should not undergo the test until their symptoms are stabilized.

5. Chest Pain: Patients experiencing unexplained or acute chest pain should not take the test, as it could worsen their discomfort and might indicate an underlying condition that requires immediate medical attention.

6. Recent Upper Respiratory Infection: If the patient has had a recent respiratory infection (like a severe cold or bronchitis), it may be best to postpone the test, as it could lead to inaccurate results and discomfort.

Before performing a test, your healthcare provider will screen for any contraindications to ensure safety and accuracy. If you have questions or health concerns, let us know—we’re here to guide you through every step of your lung health assessment.

Preparing for a test is simple, with only a few steps to ensure accurate results:

1. Avoid Heavy Meals: Try not to eat a large meal immediately before the test, as a full stomach can make it harder to take a deep breath.

2. No Smoking or Caffeine: Avoid smoking and limit caffeine intake for at least an hour before the test, as both can impact lung function and the accuracy of the measurements.

3. Wear Comfortable Clothing: Loose-fitting clothing, especially around the chest and abdomen, can make it easier to breathe deeply during the test.

4. Medications: Unless otherwise instructed, continue taking any medications as usual. Let the clinician know about any respiratory medications, as they may impact the results.

5. Practice Deep Breathing: The test requires a full, forceful exhale, so being familiar with taking deep breaths can help you feel comfortable and achieve accurate results.

With these simple steps, you’ll be ready to complete your test smoothly and receive accurate insights into your lung health.