How to Test for COPD

The Spirometry Test is the primary diagnostic tool for confirming COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This test provides a precise assessment of your lung health, offering valuable insights into the presence and severity of the condition.

Healthcare professionals use additional tests to rule out other underlying causes. A chest X-ray may be performed to show signs of emphysema, which is a major cause of COPD. Another diagnostic tool, an arterial blood gas test, can determine how well your lungs work to bring oxygen into your blood and remove carbon dioxide. However, a firm diagnosis of COPD is most often only established by a Spirometry Test.

Our Private Lung Function Test evaluates your respiratory health using spirometry to diagnose COPD. The test is also included as part of our full body health check packages.

Explore our packages and book online today.

What is COPD?

COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a health condition resulting in restriction to airflow that develops over time. COPD occurs when the lungs experience damage, inflammation and the airways narrow. This makes blowing air out of the lungs (exhaling) difficult due to obstruction The major causes of COPD include long-term exposure to tobacco smoke, harmful fumes and dust.

During the initial stages, early warning signs for COPD may go unnoticed as symptoms appear more pronounced as the disease progresses. Therefore, testing for COPD should be encouraged among risk factor groups such as smokers over the age of 35.

Currently, COPD is not reversible and any damaged lung tissue caused by the disease doesn't repair. However, there are ways to slow the progression of the disease and limit the damage it causes to the respiratory system. Lifestyle changes and certain medical interventions can reduce the impact of COPD and associated symptoms.

What are the Symptoms of COPD?

The symptoms of COPD can be similar to other lung conditions, so testing for COPD can help to establish the cause of such symptoms. COPD is most commonly caused by exposure to gases and noxious fumes such as cigarette smoke. Smoking is a major cause of COPD and smokers should be particularly aware of the following symptoms of COPD.

• Shortness of breath (particularly during physical activity)
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• A chronic cough that may produces sputum
• Frequent respiratory infections
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss (as the disease progresses)
• Swollen ankles, feet or legs

COPD symptoms are often a sign that the lungs have experienced significant damage already. The symptoms usually worsen as the disease progresses especially if the individual continues to be exposed to smoke or irritating fumes.

COPD Risk Factors

There are certain factors that can mean an individual may be more at risk of developing COPD. These COPD risk factors include:

• Tobacco smoke: A major risk factor for developing COPD is long-term cigarette smoking. The number of years you smoke and the amount of cigarettes you smoke, increases your risk of COPD. People exposed to second-hand smoke as well as pipe, cigar and marijuana smokers may also be at risk.

• Asthma: Having asthma, which is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, increases the risk of developing COPD. Asthmatics who also smoke are especially at risk of COPD.

• Occupational hazards: Working for many years in dusty environments and frequently using chemicals can also be a risk factor for COPD. Chemical fumes and dust in the workplace can cause inflammation in the lungs.

• Fumes: People exposed to fumes from burning fuel in homes with poor ventilation are also at risk of developing COPD.

• Genetics: A rare genetic disorder known as alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency can cause a small percentage of COPD cases.

• Age: Individuals aged over 35 are advised to undergo COPD testing should they smoke or experience any symptoms of COPD.

How is COPD Diagnosed?

COPD testing can help to determine whether an individual has COPD or not. A series of tests are available to get a better picture of your lung health and identify any underlying conditions.

Spirometry

A Spirometry Test can show you how well your lungs are functioning. Spirometry Tests are used to assist in diagnosing COPD, asthma, interstitial pulmonary fibrosis and other respiratory conditions. Considered the most reliable and conclusive test for COPD, spirometry can help to detect COPD before symptoms appear. The test results from a spirometry can also indicate the likely severity of a COPD case and help establish next steps.

During the spirometry, you will be asked to take a deep breath in and then blow out as hard as possible into a tube. The breathing tube is connected to a spirometer, which records your results.

Chest X-ray

A chest X-ray is a non-invasive imaging test that looks for any visual signs of damage or obstruction to the airways. The test is not capable of diagnosing COPD, but it can be useful in ruling out other conditions. Chest X-rays only use a very small amount of radiation.

Blood tests

An Arterial Blood Gas Test will determine whether your symptoms are a result of an infection or underlying health condition. The test is a way of measuring the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in your blood. An Arterial Blood Gas Test can be used to indirectly assess how well your lungs are working. Individuals with COPD often experience problems expelling air out of their lungs due to damage to the air sacs. As a result, this trapped air causes an increase in carbon dioxide levels in the blood.

If you have already been diagnosed with COPD, this test can check on the severity of your COPD and whether you require treatment such as oxygen therapy. The Arterial Blood Gas Test measures the following:

• Oxygen levels in the blood
• Carbon dioxide levels in the blood
• The acidity or pH of the blood
• Bicarbonate levels in the blood

The test involves drawing a blood sample from an artery. Once the sample is received by the laboratory, a medical expert will analyse the blood sample and check for an oxygen/carbon dioxide or acid/alkaline imbalance.

Check Your Lung Health and More

A full body health check can help identify potential health issues at their earliest stages. Detecting problems early empowers you to proactively address and treat health conditions, ultimately enhancing your overall well-being.

Checking your lung health is an important part of the full body health MOT. Often, symptoms of COPD can be mistaken for other less serious issues. By overlooking signs and symptoms, you may run the risk of letting problems develop into more severe health conditions.

In order to assess your lung health, Bluecrest uses a Spirometry Breathing Test to evaluate your lung function. Spirometry Tests can detect COPD before symptoms appear. Therefore, if detected early, individuals can get a head start on slowing down the progression of the disease.

Our Private Lung Function Test checks your respiratory health using spirometry and is the most effective way to diagnose COPD. Opt for our full body health check packages for a comprehensive assessment of your general health, including our Lung Function Test.

Explore our packages and book your tests online today.

Private Health Checks for Complete Peace of Mind

Our full body private health checks are designed for busy people who want to take control of their health. Our tests are quick, accurate, convenient and completely stress-free. No waiting for an appointment, safe clinical procedures, no embarrassing questions, no long travel times and no busy waiting rooms.

Trained health assessment specialists carry out all tests in over 350 venues across the UK and Ireland, so you get accurate professional health checks within 20 minutes of your home. Our private health checks include all the tests you need to take a proactive approach to monitoring and improving your health.

Any individual tests can be added to any full body health check. Just book one of our full body private health assessments and call us before your appointment to add an extra test.

Need help? Call free on 0800 652 2183 to speak to one of our team.

BOOK NOW

FAQs

What is a normal COPD Test result?

Normal Spirometry Test results vary depending on age and sex. A spirometer measures the amount of air you can breathe out in one second and the total volume of air you can exhale in one forced breath.

These measurements will be compared with a normal result for someone of your age, height and sex, which will help show if your lungs aren't working properly.

What does a low COPD Spirometry Test result mean?

An abnormally low COPD Spirometry Test of less than 70% in adults indicates poor lung function. The most common causes are:

• COPD
• Asthma
• Cystic fibrosis
• Bronchiectasis

If the results of the spirometry test are lower than the normal range, follow up appointments and additional tests may be required to confirm the cause and determine your next steps.

What happens if my COPD Test shows a problem?

Your test results and other readings will each be given a ‘flag’ of a different colour: green, amber or red. Green results are within the recommended range for your age and sex, amber results are slightly outside what we'd normally expect, and red results are further outside the norm.

Where a result is amber or red, we'll give follow-up advice on what to do next - whether that's making lifestyle changes, simply monitoring the result, or visiting your doctor for further investigation.

If there are any critical results discovered by our laboratory, we will contact you immediately, so you won’t need to wait for your full results report to arrive to take appropriate action.

Is a COPD Test suitable for everyone?

Spirometry is a simple test and is considered to be very safe. Individuals may sometimes feel dizzy, faint, nauseous or tired for a short time after the test.

The majority of people can undergo a Spirometry Test safely. However, as you breathe out, the test does increase the pressure inside your head, chest, stomach and eyes. Therefore, an alternative test may be advised if you have a condition that could be affected by the pressure build-up. For example, a Spirometry Test is not advisable if you have angina, uncontrolled high blood pressure or have had a heart attack. You should consult with a healthcare practitioner if you have experienced any of these or have recently undergone an operation to your head, chest, stomach or eyes.

How do I prepare for a COPD Test?

A straightforward test, spirometry needs little in the way of preparation prior to your appointment. However, there are a few things to consider. For example, if you use inhaled breathing medications known as bronchodilators or any other medications, you may need to refrain from taking these before the test. If unsure, please discuss your medication usage with your healthcare practitioner to confirm.

Other helpful ways to prepare for the test include:

• Wear loose clothing that won't restrict your ability to take a deep breath.
• Avoid eating a large meal a few hours prior to the test, as this will enable you to breathe more easily.
• Avoid smoking for 24 hours prior to the test.
• Avoid drinking alcohol before the test.
• Refrain from strenuous exercise a few hours before the test.