Measures how quickly and effectively the lungs can be filled and emptied. These tests are performed before and after inhalation of a bronchodilator, such as Ventolin, which acts to open up the bronchial tubes (air passages) of the lungs. This is the most common lung function test.
Measures how efficiently the air spaces of the lungs pass oxygen into the blood stream. A small blood sample is taken to measure haemoglobin levels, this improves the accuracy of the test. Gas transfer may be reduced in lung diseases such as emphysema or lung fibrosis.
Measure specific lung capacities, such as Total lung capacity (TLC), Residual volume (RV), Functional residual capacity (FRC), and Vital capacity (VC). This test helps to diagnose gas trapping or hyperinflation and restrictive lung disorders.