You have been invited to the surgery for a spirometry lung function test to assess your breathing. The test will take approximately 1 hour in total.

Please take time to read the following 5 sections carefully so that you will be able to have the test on the day, and to ensure that we can complete your test safely and efficiently. We are happy to answer any queries prior to your appointment by phone. If you do need to discuss anything, please respond to the text message you have been sent or request via reception. 

1 In order to prevent the spread COVID-19:

• Please ensure you have done a pre-appointment lateral flow covid test on the day please - this is essential as spirometry could cause transmission to other vulnerable patients.

• Ensure you are not displaying any symptoms suggestive of covid or other respiratory infections on the day of your test. 

2 If you are taking inhalers then please STOP prior to your spirometry as per the instructions below:

• Salbutamol or Atrovent (Ipratropium) for 4-6 hours before test

• Salmeterol, Formoterol, Beclamethasone (Clenil), Seretide, Symbicort, Flutiform, Fostair, Theophylline for 24 hours before test

• Tiotropium, Braultus, Seebri, Eklira, Indacterol, Relvar, Incruse, Spiolto or Duaklir for 36 hours before the test.

3 You CANNOT do spirometry if you have the following conditions:

• Active untreated TB

• Any aortic, thoracic (chest) or cerebral (brain) aneurysm.

• If you have had any antibiotics or steroids (Prednisolone) in the last 6 weeks for a chest infection

• Recent Pulmonary Embolus (PE) 

  If you think any of these may apply to you please arrange a telephone call with the nurse. 

4 The following are relative contraindications so may delay or prevent your spirometry. Please request a telephopne call with the nurse if you have not already discussed it.  

• Pregnancy - caution only, please inform the nurse on the day of the test

• If you are taking or have taken Prednisolone (steroid tablets)  - 6 weeks

• Eye surgery - 3 months

• Unstable angina/angina attack - The use of sublingual GTN (glyceryl triturate) prior to testing                                                                     

• Recent MI - 3 months

• Pneumothorax - 3 months

• Brain surgery - 3 months

• Abdominal/ thoracic surgery - 3 months

• Vascular surgery - wait 4-6 weeks

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea - needs to be clear for 48 hours

• Middle ear infection - wait 2 weeks once treated

• Pulmonary embolism untreated or once treated with anticoagulants

• Haemoptysis (coughing up blood) of an unknown origin – rebook for 2 weeks

• Stroke  once treated with anticoagulants

  These are guidelines only so may be done sooner depending on urgency. If you think any apply to you please contact the nurse prior to your appointment

5 Finally, on the day of your appointment:

• We request that you to wear a mask as you normally would when visiting the surgery (unless you are exempt)

• Please bring any inhalers with you to the appointment.

• Please avoid strenuous exercise for 30 mins prior to appointment.

• Avoid smoking or vaping for 12 hours.

• Avoid a large meal for 2 hours prior to test.

• It is more comfortable to wear loose clothing.

   

Many thanks.  Practices Nurses Brunswick Surgery   

Spirometry Protocol re starting Service Covid  Risk Minimisation 

As per ARTP guidelines 2023