Lung function tests

When to choose this service

Your health-care provider may recommend lung function testing to:

• Check how much air your lungs can hold
• Measure how quickly you can breathe air in and out
• Check how well oxygen moves from your lungs into your blood
• See whether a medication is helping
• Investigate a possible lung condition
• Check your lung health before surgery

What to expect

The test depends on what your health-care provider needs to learn. You may be asked to:

• Breathe into a tube connected to a machine
• Take a deep breath and blow out quickly
• Walk for six minutes
• Have a small blood sample taken
• Exercise while your breathing and heart rate are monitored
• Repeat a breathing test after taking medication

Your care team will explain the test and guide you through each step.

Tests available

• Spirometry and pulmonary function testing (RJH, CDH, NRGH, CRG, CVH)
• Six-minute walk test (RJH, CDH, NRGH, CRG, CVH)
• Arterial blood gas test (RJH, CDH, NRGH, CRG, CVH)
• Methacholine challenge test (RJH, NRGH, CRG, CVH)
• Cardiopulmonary exercise test (RJH)

Tests vary by hospital location.