What should you know about a Biopac spirometer?

During spirometry, you breathe through a mouthpiece while a recording system captures airflow and volume. The test can show patterns that suggest narrowed airways, reduced lung expansion, or a change after an inhaled medicine. A reading is interpreted alongside your symptoms, examination, age, height, smoking history, and other results; the device alone does not name a diagnosis. Good technique matters, so the clinician may repeat the manoeuvre.

Wear comfortable clothing and follow the clinic's instructions about meals, smoking, and inhalers. Tell the clinician if you have chest pain, feel unwell, recently had surgery, or find forceful breathing difficult. Sit upright, seal your lips around the mouthpiece, and follow each instruction carefully. You may be asked to take a deep breath and exhale hard for as long as directed. Stop and report dizziness, chest discomfort, or unusual breathlessness.

Seek emergency help for severe breathlessness at rest, blue or grey lips, confusion, fainting, or chest pain. Arrange prompt medical review if breathlessness is worsening, wheezing is persistent, or normal activities are becoming difficult. A spirometry appointment is not a substitute for urgent assessment when breathing suddenly deteriorates.

Ask what the test is assessing, whether to use your usual inhalers beforehand, when results will be explained, and whether another test is needed to understand your breathing pattern.