Exercise Oximetry (6-minute walk test)
This is a non-invasive test to see how much oxygen you have in your blood (oxygen saturation). This is done by assessing the distance you walk in 6-minutes and the degree of oxygen desaturation. The test can be performed with and without extra oxygen given to you.
Spirometry
Spirometry is a common test that assesses your lung function. It works by measuring the volume of air your lungs inhale and exhale. Part of the test involves being given a bronchial medication that can help open up your airways.
Comprehensive Lung Function Test
This is an overall respiratory test to measure how much air your lungs can hold, or retain. This is used to show how much oxygen is being delivered to your body.
Bronchial Provocation Test
A bronchial provocation test (BPT) is often used to assess for the presence of asthma or occasionally to demonstrate asthma control. It involves doing a breathing test after the inhalation of a substance called mannitol. The mannitol can cause airway irritation and narrowing. After each breathing test a progressively increasing dose of mannitol is given until either the breathing test result drops or the maximum dose of mannitol is given. Any airway narrowing can be reversed with salbutamol (e.g. Ventolin) after the last test.
VFT
Ventilatory function test (VFT) also known as spirometry is a breathing test to measure airflow and airway size. It involves blowing into a mouth piece as hard and for as long as possible to measure the speed at which air is blown out and the volume of air blown out. The test is often done before and after giving medication to open airways (e.g. Ventolin).
