What should you know about Welch Allyn PC-based SpiroPerfect spirometer?

The test can describe how much air you move and how quickly you move it. A computer displays the recorded effort for the clinician to review, but a tracing is not a diagnosis on its own. Results can be influenced by technique, effort, recent illness, smoking, medicines and the reason for testing, so interpretation needs the surrounding clinical history.

Wear comfortable clothing and follow the clinic's instructions about medicines, food and activity before testing. During the test, seal your lips around the mouthpiece, breathe as instructed and give a strong, sustained blow when asked. Several attempts may be needed so the clinician can judge the quality of the effort. Tell them if coughing, chest pain or light-headedness occurs.

Contact a clinician promptly for breathlessness that is new or worsening, wheezing that does not settle, chest pain, blue lips, fainting, or difficulty speaking because of breathing. Seek emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, confusion or collapse rather than waiting for a breathing test.

Ask what part of the breathing pattern was unusual, whether the attempts were technically adequate, whether medicines could affect the result, and what follow-up assessment is planned.