What is a spirometry test?
How is spirometry performed? A spirometry test is done with a spirometer, which consists of a mouthpiece and disposable tubing connected to a machine that records the results and displays them on a graph. To perform spirometry, a person inhales deeply, closes the mouth tightly around the tube and then exhales through the tubing while measurements are taken. Some test measurements are obtained by normal breathing, and other tests require rapid and forceful inhalation and/or exhalation. The volume of air inhaled or exhaled, and the length of time each breath takes are recorded and analyzed. Nose clips are usually used to make sure air is only coming out of the mouth. Sometimes a test will be repeated to get the best and maximum effort. Often, the tests are repeated after a person takes a medication that opens the airways of the lungs (a bronchodilator). A spirometry test can take anywhere from five minutes to a half an hour, depending on the different types of breathing tests being measu
