Lung function tests
Blowing tests that measure how well your lungs are working. A full set takes about 45 minutes.
Spirometry
Spirometry is a key investigation in respiratory medicine and may be performed as part of a consultation with Dr Dakin or in the lung function lab, without the need for a referral or a consultation. Spirometry is always performed when full lung function is measured, but may also be performed as a stand-alone test, without the full suite of lung function measurements.
Measurement of spirometry is helpful for evaluation of all respiratory conditions and is requisite for diagnosis of COPD. It is helpful for evaluation of anyone with shortness of breath.
Spirometry measures the total volume of air you are able to breathe in and out, ie the capacity of your lungs. This is usually performed during both slow and rapid breathing. Airflow is also measured, during the rapid breath.
If airflow is lower than anticipated, the measurement may be repeated after administration of inhaled treatment (bronchodilator responsiveness). The inhaled treatment has the effect of easing any constriction of the airways, opening them up and improving airflow. Significant improvement in airflow after administration of inhaled treatment is a hallmark of asthma.
Accurate measurements of both air flow and lung capacity give important information about the health of your lungs and airways. These measurements give information which is important in the diagnosis of shortness of breath.
Dr Dakin is accredited with the ARTP for performing and teaching spirometry.
£245 self-funding price
FENO
Measurement of exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) may be helpful in the diagnosis of asthma, or assessing whether asthma is well-controlled. Nitric oxide (NO) is a gas which all people produce, within the cells which line the airways. However, nitric oxide is present at far higher concentration in those with asthma, especially when asthma is under sub-optimal control. Therefore, measurement of FENO allows a “window” into the health of the airways, at cellular level, and serves as a useful guide to the adequacy of treatment. Measurement of FENO is recommended by NICE in their guidelines, but as some insurers do not cover this investigation, it may be necessary to self-fund in some cases.
£100 self-funding price · not covered by all insurers
Total lung capacity
Using more sophisticated techniques, it is possible to measure total lung capacity (TLC), which includes the volume of air left within the lungs, even after a subject has exhaled as much as they are able.
£490 routine full lung function, which includes this test
Transfer factor
Transfer factor (DLCO) is another routine measurement, which quantifies the ability of the lungs to transfer oxygen into the blood stream. Transfer factor is a sensitive test, which may detect impairment at a very early stage of any lung disease, even before changes are visible on high resolution radiological techniques such as CT scanning. The gas transfer is also a good way to monitor any improvement or deterioration of a long-term condition over the course of time, or in response to treatment.
£490 routine full lung function, which includes this test
Bronchodilator responsiveness
Sometimes, airflow measurements may be repeated after administration of inhaled treatment (bronchodilator responsiveness, BDR), to assess benefit of or need for inhaled treatment.
Usually done with spirometry. Ask about the price when you book.
Respiratory muscle strength
It is possible to measure the strength of the breathing muscles (diaphragm), which may become weak in certain neurological or muscular conditions. These are less common, but important causes of breathlessness. Inspiratory strength is measured in two different ways. Firstly, a subject is instructed to suck into a tube as hard as possible, maintaining the suction for a couple of seconds. Secondly, a subject is asked to make an inspiratory sniff as hard as possible. Spirometry is then performed in both the sitting and lying positions. Lying supine places a heavier burden upon the breathing muscles, so this measures how the diaphragm performs under load.
£350 self-funding price
