What happens during lung function testing?Below are the steps for the most common types of lung function tests.For a spirometry test:You'll sit in a chair and a soft clip will be put on your nose. This is done so you'll breathe through your mouth, rather than your nose.You'll be given a mouthpiece that is attached to a machine called a spirometer.You'll place your lips tightly around the mouthpiece, and breathe in and out as instructed by your provider.The spirometer will measure the amount and rate of air flow over a period of time.For a lung volume (body plethysmography) test:You'll sit in a clear, airtight room that looks like a telephone booth.As with a spirometry test, you'll wear a nose clip and place your lips around a mouthpiece connected to a machine.You'll breathe in and breathe out as instructed by your provider.The pressure changes inside the room help measure lung volume.For a gas diffusion test:You'll wear a mouthpiece connected to a machine.You will be asked to inhale (breathe in) a very small, nondangerous amount of carbon monoxide or other type of gas.Measurements will either be taken as you breathe in or as you breathe out.The test can show how effective your lungs are in moving gases to your bloodstream.For an exercise test, you will:Ride a stationary bike or walk on a treadmill.You'll be attached to monitors and machines that will measure blood oxygen, blood pressure, and heartbeat.This helps show how well your lungs perform during exercise.
