What should you know about Vitalograph Alpha Touch?

During spirometry, you breathe through a mouthpiece while the device records how much air you move and how quickly you blow it out. The reading can help a clinician assess airflow limitation and compare results with your symptoms, examination, and medical history. The device is a measurement tool, not a diagnosis on its own. Learn more about the [Spirometer](/technology/spirometer/) and [Spirometry](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/spirometry/).

Follow the clinic’s instructions about inhalers, smoking, meals, and exertion; do not stop prescribed medicine unless the testing team tells you to. Wear clothing that allows comfortable deep breaths. During the test, sit or stand as instructed, seal your lips around the mouthpiece, and blow with a fast, sustained effort. Several attempts may be needed so the team can check that the result is repeatable. Tell the operator if coughing, chest pain, dizziness, or distress interrupts an attempt.

Seek urgent medical help for severe breathlessness at rest, blue or grey lips, confusion, fainting, or chest pain that is severe or persistent. Contact your clinician promptly if breathing symptoms are worsening, you are using reliever medicine more often, or a test leaves you unusually breathless. A planned spirometry appointment is not a substitute for emergency assessment.

Ask what the test is investigating, whether any medicines need adjustment before testing, how many efforts are expected, when results will be reviewed, and whether another test is needed to explain your symptoms.