What is a Lung Function Test?

A lung function test (also called a pulmonary function test) is a diagnostic tool used to assess how well your lungs are functioning. It measures various aspects of your respiratory capacity and can help identify conditions affecting the lungs, like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The most basic lung function test is a spirometry. You'll be asked to breathe into a device called a spirometer. This apparatus measures the volume and speed of the air you inhale and exhale, providing valuable data about how well your lungs function.

A lung function test is included in all our private general health MOTs. You can also add a lung function test as an extra add-on test to any of our comprehensive health packages. With over 350 venues and convenient appointments available nationwide every week, you're sure to find a convenient time, date and venue near you.

What is Involved in a Lung Function Test?

During your lung function test, a trained Health Assessment Specialist will assess your respiratory health using spirometry. Analysing the spirometry results will give us valuable insights into lung capacity, airflow, and potential obstructions.

A spirometry test is painless and non-invasive, involving no needles or discomfort. Our Health Assessment Specialist will explain the procedure in detail.

You will be asked to breathe into a specialised device called a spirometer, which records the volume and speed of the air you inhale and exhale. This may include deep inhalations, forceful exhalations, and breath-holding, each designed to measure specific aspects of lung function.

Throughout the test, our Health Assessment Specialist will closely monitor your performance to ensure the quality and accuracy of the data. The recorded measurements, including lung capacity, airflow rates, and other parameters, will be analysed to assess the overall function of your lungs.

Our established partnered laboratories in the UK will interpret the results, looking for patterns or abnormalities that could indicate respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD.

How Long Does a Lung Function Test Take?

Your Health Assessment Specialist will ask a few questions about your health and lifestyle. They'll perform your lung function test and take some key body measurements, including height and weight. The whole process only takes from 10 - 25 minutes.

Understanding Your Results

Your Results Report will explain the results of your lung function in detail, with no confusing medical jargon. You’ll receive the actual reading for the function test and every other test we've run, with each result given a 'flag' of 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 a specialist for further investigation.

Are There Any Risks?

A lung function test, particularly spirometry, is generally safe and non-invasive. However, there are minimal risks associated with the procedure.

Some individuals may experience temporary dizziness or light-headedness during or after the test, especially if they have respiratory conditions. There might be a temporary increase in shortness of breath during the test. The forced exhalations required during the test may cause mild coughing or discomfort, which is typically short-lived.

Communicating any concerns or pre-existing conditions with your Health Assessment Specialist before the test is important. If you experience severe discomfort or unexpected symptoms during the procedure, inform the Health Assessment Specialist conducting the test.

Overall, the benefits of obtaining crucial information about your lung health often outweigh the minimal risks associated with the test.

How do I Prepare?

Full preparation instructions will be provided when you book your appointment. You can continue to eat and drink normally before your assessment takes place. Wear comfortable and loose so that you are unrestricted during the test.

It can be helpful to avoid smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke in the hours leading up to the test, as smoke can irritate the airways.

Assess Your Lung Health and More

Our private health assessments are designed for busy people who want to take control of their health. Testing your lung and heart health, kidney function, diabetes risk, cholesterol and much more, our private full body health packages provide powerful insights into your overall health.

Our tests are quick, accurate, convenient and completely stress-free. No waiting for an appointment, no invasive procedures, no long travel times and no busy waiting rooms.

View our health test packages and book a full body private health check. Just call our team on 0800 652 2183 or book online.