Our respiratory physiologist is highly experienced in their field having worked across NI, England & Ireland for over 15 years.
Providing a full suite of lung function, reversibility & usually hospital-based testing with detailed reports – these can be used to consult with your NHS GP, our Private GPs or inform the decisions of your Respiratory Consultant.
Detect abnormalities & diagnose disease.
- GMC Registered Doctors
- NMC Registered Nurses
- HCPC Registered Professionals
Packages
Test for Asthma £350 (1 hour)
Test for Bronchitis & Emphysema £500 (75 minutes)
Lung Health
What sets us apart from other providers?
- Specialist Physiologist
- Highest quality testing & protocols
- Full diagnostic reports
- In-clinic GP follow-up
- Spirometry
- Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide
- Carbon Monoxide Transfer Factor
Read More About These Tests We Perform
Spirometry and Flow Volume Loops
These tests measure how well air flows through the airways and can detect if there is any narrowing or obstruction in the airways. It can also measure lung capacities that can suggest if there are any issues with the volume of air that you can take into your lungs. Spirometry and flow volume loops are used to diagnose airflow obstruction associated with COPD and Asthma.
Bronchodilator Reversibility Tests
This test is used to assess how well your lungs respond to inhaled therapy that is designed to open the airways and relieve symptoms of breathlessness (bronchodilator). It requires performing spirometry then inhaling some bronchodilator from an inhaler and then repeating spirometry and assessing the response. This test is used to diagnose Asthma and COPD.
DLCO/TLCO (Carbon Monoxide Transfer Factor)
The primary job of our lungs is to transfer oxygen from the air sacs at the end of the airways to the bloodstream to be taken around the body to where it is needed. This test measures how efficient your lungs are at transferring oxygen over the lung tissue and into the bloodstream. A small harmless amount of carbon monoxide is used to take the measurement as carbon monoxide takes the same path as oxygen through the lungs. DLCO is used to diagnose gas exchange abnormalities in the lungs which may be a cause of breathlessness.
FeNO (Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide)
FeNO is a simple and non -invasive way to assess for airway inflammation. Nitric Oxide is a biomarker found in the breath that can be raised with airway inflammation. This test is used in the diagnosis of Asthma by measuring the levels of Nitric Oxide in exhaled breath.
Why Duality Healthcare?
Integrated Care
Physiology team for accurate assessment of lung disease including asthma, COPD (emphysema), Fibrosis. GP team for management and / or further investigation & referral for consultant opinion on your condition.
No referral needed
You can book with our physiologist without referral. We are also happy to receive referrals from medical colleagues or on recommendation.
Children
We often see children when parents have concerns about asthma, exercise induced asthma or hayfever induced symptoms. FeNO testing is the Gold-Standard test for asthma – detecting chemicals in the exhaled breath. Our testing can also accurately determine whether your current treatment is effective.
Adults
If you or a loved one has developed increasing cough, wheeze, breathlessness or noticed that your exercise tolerance has reduced – lung function testing will be extremely useful to rule out lung disease. A history of smoking, working with fumes and vapours in industry or exposure to dusts e.g. farming can all increase the chance of chronic respiratory disease. In these cases you want medication to slow the progression of disease e.g. with fibrosis or COPD- commonly known as bronchitis & emphysema.
Do you need lung function testing?
- Are you struggling with shortness of breath that has developed over a number or weeks or longer that stops you from doing things you want to do?
- Are you bothered by a troublesome cough or wheeze?
- Are you prone to repeat chest infections?
Are you on a long waiting list to have lung function testing? - Are you a smoker and are worried about lung damage?
- Have you been prescribed inhalers with no diagnosis?
- Are you worried you might have Asthma?
Why should you take a lung function test?
- To detect the presence/absence of airway/ lung disease
- If you’ve been having problems with shortness of breath.
- If you have symptoms like a troublesome cough, chest tightness or wheeze.
- If you are prone to repeat chest infections and your doctor feels you’re at an increased risk of developing a particular lung condition.
- To assess the progress of your existing breathing condition by comparing these tests with previous results.
- To see how your breathing condition improves with different treatments
Essential Tests
What we offer.
You don’t always need to see a Doctor first to undertake a test – we understand this. Patients & parents want lung testing done for lots of different reasons.
What does a lung function test involve?
Lung function tests are performed to investigate how well your lungs are working. Lung disease affects 1 in 5 people and is one of the top 3 killers in NI
Testing involves blowing into special equipment to measure various aspects of your lung function such as:
- Lung Capacity
- Airflow in and out of your airways
- How efficient your lungs are at transferring oxygen
- Inflammation in your airways
- How well your airways respond to medication
Living with the symptoms of a lung disease ie shortness of breath, cough, chest tightness, can have massive implications on your quality of life, preventing you from living your life to the fullest.
Undiagnosed lung disease carries a higher risk for lung attacks (exacerbations) that require emergency treatment, worsening progressive respiratory symptoms and mortality.
Diagnosing and treating lung disease earlier in the disease process may prevent further loss of lung function and preserve quality of life.
Lung function testing is an integral part in the diagnosis of lung disease. If you think you may have symptoms of a lung disease, get in touch today.
If you are worried about your health, speak to a Duality Healthcare Doctor first. They can guide you to what needs done.
All our GPs have been trained in the UK, NHS experienced & attained Membership of the Royal College of General Practitioners.
Frequently Asked Questions
I think I have asthma what tests would benefit me?
Your GP/consultant will be able to advise you on what tests you might need however if you suspect you might have asthma you would benefit from:
FeNo to test for airway inflammation.
Spirometry Reversibility to test for airway obstruction and responsiveness
How long will does the tests take?
Your appointment will usually take approximately 40- 75 minutes depending on what tests have been requested.
What happens if my results are normal?
If you receive results that are normal this does not necessarily mean that you are free from disease especially when you are symptomatic, but that your lung function is normal on that day. This can be particularly true in asthmatic type patterns. If you continue to be symptomatic it is best to have your lung function checked regularly until a solid diagnosis can be confirmed. You can discuss this with your GP during your follow up consultation
What should I expect for my breathing test?
The tests are safe, non-invasive, and painless to perform.
The physiologist will take a detailed history and will ask you some safety questions prior to testing. They will also measure your blood pressure and blood oxygen levels prior to testing.
The physiologist will ask you to breathe into a machine through a mouthpiece and perform some breathing manoeuvres. A nose clip will be used to seal your nose and ensure all air is being recorded. Depending on the testing required you may be asked to blow out forcefully or steadily, breathe in fully and hold your breath or inhale some bronchodilator medication. It is normal for a number of different tests to be carried out at the same appointment.
Performing the tests requires an element of cooperation with the physiologist who will guide you through the process every step of the way to ensure you feel at ease. The physiologist will give you plenty of time to ensure you feel comfortable while testing.
What happens if my results are abnormal?
If you receive results that complement a diagnosis of Asthma or COPD, your GP/consultant can commence you on a bespoke treatment pathway. Depending on your result the GP/consultant may recommend further investigations.