WHAT IS A SPIROMETRY TEST?
A spirometry test (measuring of breath) is the most common of the Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) that is used to aid in diagnosing such respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive/restrictive pulmonary diseases. It measures lung function, specifically the measurement of the volume and/or speed (flow) of air that can be inhaled and exhaled. The amount of air entering and leaving the lungs with each breath is known as tidal volume. The vital capacity is the greatest amount of air that can be expired after a maximal inspiration. The amount air remaining in the lungs after a maximal expiration is the residual volume. The total lung capacity is the sum of the vital capacity and the residual volume.

HOW IS A SPIROMETRY TEST PERFORMED?
A technician will further explain in detail how to perform test at the time of the visit. With the patient holding a hand-held device with nose plugs on, they will be instructed to take a full breath in and then as hard and as fast as they can, they will blow the air into the hand-held device. This breath will be held for 6 seconds and then they will be instructed after the 6 seconds to inhale as hard and as fast again. The patient will need to do three trials of this and the best trial out of the three will be used. The data collected will be reviewed by Dr. Bruce Andrea.