Lung function tests

About

The lung function service offers a comprehensive range of lung function and exercise tests which are used as part of the diagnosis and management of diseases involving the lungs. Our service offers tests to inpatients and outpatients. We do not accept direct GP referrals, but referrals can be made from other NHS trusts. We perform around 6500 tests per year, with laboratories on each of our three main hospital sites. The standard tests we perform are spirometry and assessment of response to inhalers, assessments of the lung capacity and gas transfer efficiency. More complex assessments can include respiratory muscle assessments, skin allergy testing, assessment of airway hyperresponsiveness, home oxygen assessments and exercise tests to look at cardiorespiratory response to exertion.

Conditions we treat

Although many of our patients are undergoing investigations specifically for lung disease, our tests can be requested for a wide range of reasons, including surgical work-up, preparation for other interventions such as bone marrow transplant or chemotherapy, or if a patient with a non-respiratory condition is experiencing symptoms of breathlessness or starting treatment that could affect the lungs.

Treatments we offer

The lung function department is a diagnostic service and does not offer treatments. The results for our tests are used by the referring doctors to identify disease and inform treatment. We may perform repeat measurements to monitor disease progression, or assess response to treatment.

 

Education and training

The department is accredited by the Scientist Training Programme (STP) and Higher Specialist Scientific Training Programme (HSST) and may be able to offer short placements to STP and HSST students requiring experience in the field of respiratory physiology. We also host students from St George’s University of London who are undertaking the Practitioner Training Programme (PTP).

Please contact 020 3313 2352 for further information.