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    4. Respiratory diagnostic testing

    Respiratory diagnostic testing

    For people with breathing issues, Mayo Clinic Healthcare offers a dedicated, personalised approach to evaluating and managing respiratory conditions. Our facility is equipped with advanced respiratory testing technologies, such as detailed lung imaging, specialised tests of airway and pulmonary function, and broad respiratory wellness evaluations.

    ​Our practice is designed to provide clear, timely answers. Many respiratory diagnostic tests can be completed with same-day results, helping patients move quickly from testing to informed care planning.

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    • Spirometry is a simple and safe breathing test that measures how well your lungs work. It shows how much air you can breathe in and out and how quickly you can blow air out of your lungs.

      ​Spirometry is one of the most common tests used to diagnose and monitor conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other breathing disorders.

      The test is painless and involves blowing into a mouthpiece connected to a machine that records your lung function.

    • Spirometry provides important information about how well your lungs are working. Key measurements include:

      • FEV - the amount of air you can blow out in the first second of a forceful breath
      • FVC - is the total amount of air you can blow out after taking a deep breath
      • FEV/FVC ratio - helps identify whether your breathing pattern is obstructive, restrictive, or normal
      • Flow-volume curves - show how quickly air moves through your airways

      Your results are compared with normal values based on your age, height, sex, and ethnicity to ensure accuracy.

    • Most people do not need to do anything special before the test.

      However, to ensure the most accurate results, you should avoid smoking for at least one hour before your appointment and avoid vigorous exercise for 30 minutes beforehand. It is also recommended that you do not eat a heavy meal just before the test.

      You should bring a list of any inhalers or medications you use, as you may be asked to avoid using certain inhalers for a few hours before the test; your doctor will advise you if this applies.

      Wearing loose, comfortable clothing that does not restrict your breathing will also help you feel more comfortable during the test.

    • You will sit upright and be given a mouthpiece connected to the spirometry machine. A small clip may be placed on your nose to ensure all air goes through the mouthpiece.

      You will then be asked to take a deep breath in, seal your lips tightly around the mouthpiece, and blow out as hard and fast as you can until your lungs feel empty.

      This may be repeated several times to ensure reliable results. The test is not painful, although you may feel slightly breathless for a moment after blowing.

    • A spirometry appointment usually takes around 20 minutes, depending on how many measurements are needed.

    • You can return to your normal activities straight away.

      A specialist will review your results and prepare a report for the doctor who requested the test. Your doctor will explain the findings at your next appointment and discuss whether any treatment or follow‑up is needed.

    Cardiopulmonary exercise test (VO2 Max)

    A cardiopulmonary exercise test, also known as a VO2 max test, is a safe, supervised assessment that measures how well your heart, lungs, and muscles work together during exercise.

    The test involves exercising on a bike or treadmill while wearing a mask that analyses breathing. It measures how much oxygen your body uses, how much carbon dioxide the body produces, and how efficiently the heart and lungs respond to physical activity.

    CPET is the gold standard test for assessing exercise capacity, unexplained breathlessness, and overall cardiorespiratory fitness.

    • CPET provides detailed information about how your body responds to exercise. Key measurements include:

      • VO2 Max (Maximal oxygen consumption)
      • Anaerobic threshold
      • Ventilatory efficiency
      • Breathing patterns and ventilation
      • Heart rate response
      • Oxygen pulse
      • Exercise capacity

      These measurements help identify whether symptoms such as breathlessness or fatigue are caused by the heart, lungs, circulation, or muscles, and guide your doctor in planning treatment or follow-up.

    • Most people do not need to do anything to prepare before the test. You can eat and drink normally, but it is best to avoid heavy meals in the two hours before your appointment. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and suitable footwear for cycling or walking.

      You should continue taking your usual medication unless advised otherwise.

    • You will be asked to sit or stand while a technician attaches monitoring equipment, which may include ECG stickers on your chest, a blood pressure cuff, and a small clip on your finger to measure oxygen levels.

      You will then wear a comfortable mask that measures your breathing.

      You will exercise on a bike, starting gently and gradually increasing the intensity. The respiratory testing stops when you reach your limit or if the physiologist feels enough information has been collected.

      Throughout the test, your heart rate, breathing, and oxygen use are monitored. The test is supervised at all times and is designed to be safe.

    • The full appointment usually lasts 45 to 60 minutes, including preparation time. The exercise portion typically lasts 8 to 15 minutes, depending on your fitness level.

    • You can go home or return to your usual activities straight away.

      A specialist will analyse your results, including your VO₂ max, anaerobic threshold, and ventilatory efficiency. A detailed report will be sent to the doctor who requested the test, and they will discuss the findings with you at your next appointment.

      There are no lasting effects, and you can continue your day as normal.

    Metabolic rate testing

    Metabolic rate testing is a simple, non-invasive test that measures how much energy your body uses at rest. It analyses the oxygen you breathe in and the carbon dioxide you breathe out while you are relaxed and breathing normally.

    ​Metabolic rate testing is included as part of our CPET, using the same breath-analysis equipment to provide a complete assessment of your metabolic and cardiorespiratory function while you are at rest.

    • Metabolic rate testing provides precise information about how efficiently your body uses energy. Key measurements include:

      • Resting metabolic rate
      • Oxygen consumption
      • Carbon dioxide production
      • Respiratory exchange ratio

      These results help assess metabolic health, guide nutrition and weight-management plans, and support the investigation of symptoms such as fatigue, weight changes, or reduced exercise tolerance.

      Your results are compared with predicted values based on your age, sex, height, and weight to ensure accuracy.

    • To ensure the most accurate results, you may be asked to avoid:

      • Eating for 4 hours before the test.
      • Caffeine and smoking for at least 2 hours beforehand.
      • Vigorous exercise on the same day.

      Unless you have been advised otherwise, you should continue to take your usual medications. It is also advised that you wear comfortable clothing and try to arrive feeling relaxed, as stress and movement can affect the measurements.

    • You will sit or lie comfortably while wearing a soft mask or mouthpiece connected to the metabolic analyser.

      You will breathe normally for around 15 to 20 minutes while the equipment measures your oxygen use and carbon dioxide production.

      The test is quiet and completely painless. You do not need to exercise or perform any physical effort.

    • The full appointment usually lasts 30 to 40 minutes, including preparation and the measurement period.

    • You can return to your normal activities straight away.

      A specialist will analyse your results and prepare a report for the person who requested the test. Your doctor will explain the findings at your next appointment and discuss whether any changes to your treatment, nutrition, or lifestyle are recommended.

    Private health insurance for a respiratory testing

    Mayo Clinic Healthcare works with all major private health insurance providers, including AXA PPP, Aviva, BUPA, Vitality Health and WPA. Self-pay arrangements are also available.

    At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, you can receive second opinions on any medical condition.

    Request a respiratory diagnostic appointment

    Our team is available to help arrange your private respiratory diagnostic tests, answer your questions, and guide you through each step of your care.

    Whether you are seeking a diagnosis or ongoing support, our respiratory specialists are here to help you move forward with confidence.

    Request an appointment with us today.

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