PCN: Respiratory Hub

To check whether this is safe for you to do, please look at the following list and let your GP know if any apply to you. If so, the spirometry test may need to be delayed.

Checklist of reasons to delay spirometry:

• Any surgery in the last 6 weeks (on either the eye, abdomen, groin, chest or brain)
• Heart attack (myocardial infarction) in the last 6 weeks
• Angina pain requiring the use of a GTN spray
• Blood clot in the lungs or pulmonary embolus in the previous 6 weeks
• Pneumothorax in the previous 6 weeks
• Stroke in the previous 6 weeks
• Any nausea or vomiting in the previous 2 days
• Middle ear infection in the past two weeks
• Aortic aneurysm under surveillance – please inform the team. If > 6cm, avoid spirometry
• Are you being investigated or treated for tuberculosis TB

On the day of testing please avoid the following:

• Smoking before testing on the day your spirometry is booked.
• Consuming alcohol for at least four hours before the test
• Eating a substantial meal for at least 2 hours before the test
• Vigorous exercise for at least 30 minutes before the test

Some of your inhalers should not be used before the spirometry appointment

Your GP practice will give instructions about this but for information:

• Salbutamol (blue inhaler) do not use for 4 hours before the test
• Atrovent – do not use for 12 hours before the test
• Salmeterol or formoterol- do not use for 24 hours before the test
• Tiotropium – do not use for two days before the test
• Combination inhalers containing two or more medicines- stop 1-2 days before testing (your GP practice will specify the time)

If you are taking a steroid/corticosteroid inhaler which does not contain other medicines, you can continue this as usual.