Pulmonary Function Service


Pulmonary function tests are a series of breathing tests that measure how well the lung is working. The patient performs a number of complex respiratory manoeuvres on specialised equipment. The respiratory scientist will explain the procedure to the patient and guide them through the tests. The patient must be able to understand and follow instruction.


The department provides a range of investigations, which

  • Identify and characterise pattern of disease

  • Assess severity of disease

  • Monitor progress of disease

  • Assess effect of treatment

  • Provide information as part of a pre-op assessment

Patients are referred from many disciplines.


Routine Tests (direct referral).*

·     Spirometry (+/- bronchodilator response).

o    In this test the patient is required to perform a series of forced respiratory manoeuvres that give information on airway function.
If indicated, or specifically requested, the effect of a bronchodilator may also be assessed.

·     Diffusing capacity -  Test to assess transfer of oxygen across the lung


Specialised tests (consultant respiratory physician referral)  

  • Lung volumes (He dilution)

    • Measurement of static lung volumes, the functional residual capacity (FRC) which is the amount of gas remaining in the lung at the end of a normal breath.

  • Skin allergy tests

  • Bronchial provocation

    • Specialised test to assess bronchial hyper reactivity

 Access to Services

  • Lab is open from 8am-5pm Monday-Friday

  • Inpatient service is provided on a daily basis. Outpatients are seen by appointment.

  • Service is accessed by

    • Referral from consultants within SVPH (completed request card)

    • Referrals from other consultants (letter)

    • Referral from GP’s (letter)

  • Required information includes:

    • Patient contact details

    • Diagnosis/Reason for test

    • Any chest infection

    • Tests required

    • Whether bronchodilator is contraindicated

 

Patients should refrain from the following (if possible) before coming to the lab for PFT’s

  • Smoking within one hour of the test

  • Consumption of alcohol within four hours of test

  • Performing vigorous exercise for thirty minutes before test

  • Eating a large meal within two hours of the test

  • Wearing tight or restrictive clothing

 

Patients may be asked to refrain from using bronchodilators (or antihistamines in case of skin tests) prior to the test. It is important that this is discussed with the requesting doctor in advance of the test and that patients are advised to continue using steroids or any medications they may be taking for other medical conditions.

 

Results

On completion of the test, results are forwarded to the referring doctor and include an interpretation by a consultant respiratory physician.

 

Contact Details:

Respiratory Medicine Department

St. Vincent's Private Hospital,

Herbert Avenue

Merrion Road,

Dublin 4

 Tel: 01 260 9200 ext 9848 (If there is no reply please leave a message and your call will be returned as soon as possible) Tel: 01 260 9200 ext 9848 (If there is no reply please leave a message and your call will be returned as soon as possible)

 


Registered in Dublin, Ireland, Reg. No. 338585, Registered Office: Elm Park, Dublin 4