How Do I Prepare for the Lung Function Test? – Prior to the Appointment Date
- Please ensure you have a valid referral from your GP or specialist.
- Please fill out the contraindication screening questionnaire. Return the completed questionnaire either by fax (02 9687 6321) or email (reception@sydwestresp.com.au) as soon as possible.
- You will be unable to attend the test if you have any NEW symptoms of fever, short of breath, runny nose, nausea/vomiting, cough, loss of smell, muscle pain, diarrhoea, sore/scratchy throat, loss of taste, joint pain, loss of appetite 48 hours before your scheduled appointment. If so, please contact us on 02 9633 2337 as soon as possible to
reschedule the appointment.
- You will need to have performed a rapid antigen test for COVID‐19 within 24 hours or a COVID‐19 PCR test within 48 hours of the lung function test appointment.
- Ensure you have met the recommended withholding period for the puffers you are on. If you are not certain or are concerned about the withholding of your puffer, please contact our staff to discuss this further.
How Do I Prepare for the Lung Function Test? – On the Date of Appointment
- Avoid smoking on the day of the test.
- Do not consume alcohol for at least 4 hours prior to the test.
- Avoid rigorous experience for at least 30 minutes prior to the test.
- Avoid wearing clothing which substantially restricts full chest and abdominal expansion.
- Refrain from eating a substantial meal for at least 2 hours prior to the test.
- Ensure you have performed a rapid antigen test for COVID‐19 within 24 hours or a COVID‐ 19 PCR test within 48 hours of the lung function test.
- Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the time of the appointment.
Medication Withholding Periods for Lung Function Test
Timeframe Prior to Lung
Function Test Not to Take Medication |
Class of Medications |
Name of Medications |
| 8 hours |
Short acting beta 2 adrenoceptor agonist (SABA)
|
- Salbutamol (Ventolin)
- Terbutaline (Bricanyl)
|
|
Short acting muscarinic acetylcholine antagonist (SAMA)
|
|
| 12 hours |
Long Acting beta2 adrenoreceptor agonist (LABAs) alone or in combination
|
Salmeterol
Formoterol /Eformoterol
- Symbicort
- Flutiform
- Trimbow
- Brimica
|
|
Long acting muscarinic acetylcholine antagonist (LAMAs)
|
Tiotropium
Glycopyrronium
Umeclinidium
Aclidinium
|
| 24 hours |
Leukotriene receptor antagonists
|
|
|
Ultra LABAs
|
Olodaterol
Vilanterol
Indacaterol
|
If you are uncertain which category your medication or puffers belongs to, please check with your general practitioner, referring specialist or one of our staff members.
Although a pulmonary function test is very safe , there are some conditions that may increase the risk of the test slightly. Please let the staff know if you have any of the following:
- Low oxygen levels needing supplemental oxygen
- Severe allergies/history of anaphylaxis
- Recent exacerbation/flare of your asthma or airways disease
- Recent heart attacks, strokes, pulmonary embolism or pneumothorax (within the last 6 weeks)
- Recent increase in regular puffers
- Recent use of steroid medications (e.g. prednisone)
- Recent surgeries (e.g. chest, abdominal, brain, sinus or facial surgeries)
- History of claustrophobia or poorly-controlled anxiety
Lung function tests are considered aerosol generating procedures. In light of the ongoing risk of COVID-19, to protect our staff and other clients, we may require you to undertake a COVID-19 rapid antigen test on the day of the appointment or a PCR test within 48 hours of your appointment date.
