Understanding
lung function.
Understand the difference between oxygen measurements and a dedicated lung function test.
What you need to know.
Lung function testing helps assess how your lungs are working. Spirometry measures how much air you can breathe out and is used when investigating or monitoring conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Signs & symptoms
- Ongoing breathlessness
- A persistent cough
- Wheezing
- Symptoms affecting your usual activities
Factors to discuss
- Smoking history
- Exposure to dust or fumes
- A known lung condition
- Persistent respiratory symptoms
What testing can tell you.
The core health screens include an oxygen saturation measurement. This is different from spirometry. Spirometry is not listed as part of the five current packages; contact the team before booking if you need a dedicated lung assessment.
A normal oxygen saturation reading does not rule out lung disease. Persistent symptoms should be assessed by your GP rather than relying on a routine blood screen.
Your next step
If you have symptoms or a specific health concern, speak to your GP. If you’re choosing a routine health screen, review the package’s included tests or ask our team for help.
Further reading: NHS information on this topic