For GPs & ReferrersRefer a Patient
Quick referral, symptom-based test guides, and rapid results turnaround. Everything you need to refer with confidence.
Symptom-Based Test GuideNot Sure Which Test to Order?
Use our symptom-based guide to identify the most appropriate lung function test(s) for your patient's presentation.
Spirometry (Airway Function)
Maximal expiratory and inspiratory efforts to determine the speed of lung emptying and filling, and the calculation of volumes such as FEV1 and FVC. Usually measured before and after a short-acting bronchodilator.
CLINICAL APPLICATION: “Gold Standard” in measuring obstructive ventilatory defects such as those found in COPD and poorly controlled asthma. Significant increases in post BD FEV1 can indicate a “bronchodilator response” in keeping with Asthma or Asthma-COPD Overlap Syndrome (ACOS).
Oscillometry (Airway Function)
Quiet tidal breathing to determine the presence of any flow limitation in the airways. An ideal test for children and those people who are unable to perform spirometry. Usually measured before and after a short-acting bronchodilator.
CLINICAL APPLICATION: Considered to be very sensitive to small airway changes as found in COPD and poorly controlled asthma. Provides similar information to spirometry and significant reductions in resistance and reactance (its two primary parameters) after a SABA can indicate a “bronchodilator response” in keeping with asthma or Asthma-COPD Overlap Syndrome (ACOS).
Bronchial Challenge Test
Mannitol powder is taken through an inhaler in successive doses, which dries the surface of the airways. If they are hyper-responsive, airway function will drop (fall in FEV1 measured with spirometry) and reach a level that is considered to be a “positive test”.
CLINICAL APPLICATION: Useful in providing support to a clinical assessment for the presence of asthma or the effectiveness of asthma therapy.
Lung Volumes
A measure of various volumes and capacities of the lungs useful in determining restriction (small lungs), hyperinflation and gas-trapping.
CLINICAL APPLICATION: Pathologies that cause hyperinflation (large lungs) such as COPD and Asthma can be assessed, together with levels of gas-trapping. Restrictive defects from intrinsic disease such as interstitial lung disease or external factors such as chest wall abnormalities (e.g. scoliosis, pectus excavatum) or neuromuscular conditions (e.g. MND, GBS, paralysed hemi-diaphragm) can be quantified.
Gas Transfer (Diffusing capacity)
The single-breath uptake of carbon monoxide in the lung is a measure of the lungs’ ability to transfer gas from the alveoli into the blood-stream.
CLINICAL APPLICATION: Pathologies that affect the lung parenchyma such as emphysema and pneumonitis/Interstitial Lung Disease can cause a reduction in gas uptake. It is also sensitive to other changes that reduce diffusion such as pulmonary vascular disease (Pulmonary hypertension) or gas uptake in the pulmonary circulation, such as anaemia.
Respiratory Muscle Strength
The measurement of the maximal pressures that can be measured from a full inspiration (TLC) or expiration (RV). Commonly called MIPs (Maximal Inspiratory Pressures) and MEPs (Maximal Expiratory Pressures).
CLINICAL APPLICATION: Respiratory Muscle Strength may be used to assess the effect of neuromuscular disorders such as MND or Guillain-Barré syndrome or other conditions such as a paralysed hemi-diaphragm.
Exhaled Nitric Oxide
Increased levels of exhaled NO can indicate eosinophilic airway inflammation.
CLINICAL APPLICATION: Can be used to assist in the diagnosis and management of atopic asthma and other eosinophilic processes.
Referral FormsDownload Referral Forms
Call or email your nearest clinic, our team will help you find a suitable time and advise on preparation.
Clinic ContactsWhere to Send Referrals
Launceston
6/102 Talbot Rd, Launceston TAS 7250
(03) 63310580
Mon–Fri: 8:30am – 5:00pm
Hobart
8 Knopwood St, Battery Point TAS 7004
(03) 63310580
Friday Only: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Devonport
142 William St, Devonport TAS 7310
(03) 63310580
By appointment
2–3 Days
Standard results turnaround
Detailed
Reports with interpretation