Getting ready for spirometry

Bring any medicines you are using with you, including inhalers (and any spacer device)

Wear loose comfortable clothing to the test so that you can take a deep breath

Before your testa – Follow the directions below to prepare for the spirometry test.
Health professional to tick all that apply

36 hours before

24 hours before

Stop taking long acting once daily inhalersb 36 hours before the test
Inhaler  name........................................................................................................................................................

Stop taking long acting twice daily inhalers 24 hours
before the test
Inhaler  name........................................................................................................................................................

8 hours before

4 hours before

Do not use alcohol or other intoxicants for at least
8 hours before the test

Stop taking short acting reliever inhalers 4 hours before the test, unless you need to use them. If you do, you may need to change your appointment
Inhaler  name........................................................................................................................................................

1 hour before

1 hour before

•	Just before
Spirometry test

Do not smoke for at least 1 hour before the test

No heavy exercise for at least 1 hour before the test

Go to the toilet right before the test

Use the MedicinesWise app to remind you when to stop taking your inhalers. It will also provide a handy list of all your medicines for any future medical appointments.

a Inhaled bronchodilators are only withheld before spirometry when performed as a diagnostic test and not when performed to monitor asthma.
b Only for inhalers that contain a long-acting bronchodilator. Inhalers that only contain a corticosteroid do not need stopping.

Spirometry — what to expect

What is spirometry testing and why do I need it?

Spirometry is a test of how well your lungs work.
The test is carried out using a machine called a spirometer.
Spirometry is needed to diagnose and assess your lung condition so you can be given the right treatment.
Your doctor can also use the test results to find out how severe your lung condition is and help set your treatment goals.
What happens in a spirometry test?

For this test, you blow air into a mouthpiece attached to a small machine (spirometer). The machine measures how much air you blow out and how fast you can blow it in one go. You will be asked to do this multiple times to check that the readings are similar each time you blow into the machine.
A spirometry appointment usually takes approximately 20–30 minutes. It is not difficult or painful but requires some effort.
After the test

You can return to your normal activities. Some people find it hard to do the test, so you may feel tired afterwards.
Your doctor or nurse will discuss the results of your tests afterwards or at a future appointment.
You may feel dizzy during the test or shortly afterward.

Is there any risk
in having spirometry?

Spirometry is a very low risk test.
Your doctor may ask you to delay having your test if you have been sick, such as a recent chest infection, fever or flu-like symptoms.
It is important to let the spirometry operator know if you have recently had any surgery, including eye surgery.
For more information

If you would like to find out more about spirometry, contact:
Lung Foundation Australia
Information and Patient Support 1800 654 301 www.lungfoundation.com.au
Asthma Australia 1800 ASTHMA Helpline (1800 278 462) www.asthmaaustralia.org.au
National Asthma Council 03 9929 4333 www.nationalasthma.org.au
NPS MedicineWise Medicines Line 1300 MEDICINE (1300 633 424)
www.nps.org.au
Your appointment

Date 	 Time	 Location 	

Content based on the American Thoracic Society Standardization of Spirometry 2019 update.

nps.org.au
Level 7/418A Elizabeth Street Surry Hills NSW 2010 PO Box 1147 Strawberry Hills NSW 2012
02 8217 8700	02 9211 7578	info@nps.org.au

© 2020 NPS MedicineWise. Independent. Not-for-profit. Evidence based. This program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health. ABN 61 082 034 393
Reasonable care is taken to provide accurate information at the time of creation. This information is not intended as a substitute for medical advice and should not be exclusively relied on to manage or diagnose a medical condition. NPS MedicineWise disclaims all liability (including for negligence) for any loss, damage or injury resulting from reliance on or use of this information. Read our full disclaimer. Updated: January 2021.	NPS1752b