Information for Doctors

What does it involve?

There are a number of tests that we perform here in the laboratory. The following is a guide on which test would benefit your patients.

Flow Volume Loop 

Pre & Post bronchodilator

Asthma

First presentation sleep patient

Full Lung Function

(aka Complex Lung Function) Includes Pre & Post bronchodilator Flow volume loops, Lung Volumes and Gas Transfer.

First presentation respiratory patient

Emphysema

Smoker/Ex-smoker new shortness of breath

Emphysema for valve insertion (EBV)

Interstitial Lung Disease

Pulmonary Fibrosis

Medico-Legal / Work Cover assessments

Patient is on Prednisolone

On or about to commence chemotherapy/Stem Cell Transplant.

Occupational exposure to harmful substance

Bird Fanciers Lung - Hypersensitivity pneumonitis

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Bronchial Provocation –

Mannitol

Normal CLF but patient has asthmatic symptoms

Defence/Police Force Recruitment

Bronchial Provocation - Hypertonic Saline Challenge

SCUBA Diving medicals

Respiratory Muscle Strength - MIPs MEPs

Motor Neuron Disease, Muscular Dystrophy, Guillain–Barré syndrome

6 Minute Walk Test

Evaluate for home oxygen (MASS)

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test

Determination of the exercise capacity

Determination of the cause of a cardiopulmonary limitation to exercise

Identification of abnormal cardiopulmonary responses to exercise

Exercise prescription and monitoring response to exercise for training and rehabilitation

Evaluation of results of therapeutic intervention

Pre-operative evaluation

Impairment/disability evaluation

Allergen Skin Prick Test

Quantify atopy

Asthma

Differentiate between allergic and vasomotor rhinitis

Food reactions

Hypoxic Altitude Simulation Test

Patients wishing to fly by commercial airliner likely to develop PaO2 <55mmHg under in-flight conditions (COPD, other lung disease or cardiovascular disease resulting in PaO2 <72mmHg under sea-level, room air conditions)

Pre-existing requirements for oxygen

Other subjects with medical conditions at risk may include:

•             Obstructive sleep apnoea

•             Parenchymal lung disease 

•             PaO2 of 60-70 mmHg