Lung function tests carried out by respiratory physiologists are available. They aim to measure how well a patient's lungs are working and how well oxygen breathed in from the air moves to the blood and waste carbon dioxide is breathed out of the body. 

• Appointments: Tuesday-Thursday, 8am-6pm

The following tests are available at the Finchley Memorial Hospital CDC:

• spirometry
• gas transfer (DLCO)
• lung volumes
• exhaled nitic oxide (FENO)
• six-minute walk test
• bronchodilator assessment.

Please note that spirometry cannot be performed if the patient has had any of the following in the past six weeks:

• haemoptysis of unknown origin
• heart attack
• untreated pulmonary embolism
• pneumothorax
• eye, chest or abdominal surgery
• chest, abdominal or cerebral aneurysm.

Lung function test result reports from Finchley Memorial Hospital Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC), sent to GP practices via Docman Connect, include a physiologist's interpretation to help GP practices better understand the results.

See Downloads for guidance from Royal Free London (RFL) on how to interpret lung function tests.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusions

• aged 16+
• symptoms of breathlessness, cough or wheeze
• lung or heart problems
• assess treatment for asthma, emphysema, and other chronic lung problems.

Exclusions

• complex mobility
• unstable cardiovascular or respiratory disease/status requiring recent (<six weeks) or repeat admissions to hospital
• transport
• oxygen requirement
• suspected respiratory infection (including COVID-19) in past six weeks
• frequent nausea, vomiting, or fainting episodes
• uncontrolled hypertension
• recent myocardial infarction.

How to Refer

Locations

Finchley Memorial Hospital