What should you know about Microlab spirometer?

The device connects to a disposable mouthpiece. You breathe in fully, seal your lips around the mouthpiece and blow out as hard and long as instructed. It records measures such as the air expelled in the first part of the blow and the total forced breath.

Clinicians compare the pattern with expected values and may repeat the manoeuvre to check consistency. Results can help assess asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other causes of breathlessness, but a device reading is interpreted alongside symptoms, examination and medical history.

Wear comfortable clothing and follow the clinic’s instructions about meals, smoking and inhalers before testing. Tell the clinician if you have chest pain, a recent operation, a recent infection, or difficulty producing a strong breath. During the test, follow each instruction closely and rest between attempts if asked.

The test is usually brief, although several efforts may be needed. You may cough, feel briefly light-headed or become tired after forceful blowing; tell the operator immediately if this happens. The clinician will explain whether bronchodilator medicine is used for a comparison measurement.

Arrange assessment for persistent breathlessness, wheezing, a recurrent cough or reduced exercise tolerance. Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, fainting, chest pain, confusion or rapidly worsening symptoms. Do not wait for a home spirometer reading when breathing is acutely difficult.

Ask what each measurement means, whether you should change inhalers before testing, when results will be reviewed, and whether repeat spirometry or another test is needed.