Tests for diagnosing lung conditions

Find out how to test your peak flow, what your scores mean and how you can make the most of using peak flow to help you manage your asthma.

Spirometry is a breathing or lung function test. It is often done alongside a bronchodilator reversibility test or BDR. Find out when a spirometry and reversibility tests are used, and what the results show.

A lung volume test is a type of lung function test that measures the amount of air in your lungs. They can be helpful for diagnosing a range of lung conditions.

Gas transfer tests measure how your lungs take in oxygen from the air you breathe. It is used to diagnose and monitor lung conditions.

A FeNO test measures the levels of nitric oxide when you breathe out. Find out when it’s used, how the test is done and what the results show.

A bronchial challenge test is used to help diagnose asthma. It is also known as a direct challenge test.

Imaging scans can help diagnose some lung conditions. On this page, we explain the different imaging scans you may have and why.

A bronchoscopy is a test used to look inside your lungs. A thin, flexible tube with a camera at the end, called a fibre-optic bronchoscope is used.

A lung biopsy is when a small piece of tissue or cells are removed from your lungs for testing.

The exhaled carbon monoxide test measures how much carbon monoxide is in your body. It’s simple and easy to do. You won’t need to prepare for the test.

Tests like pulse oximetry or blood gas tests used to check the level of oxygen in your blood. Learn more.

Respiratory muscle tests measure how strong your breathing muscles are when you breath in or out.

Tests to measure your breathing during sleep can help to diagnose conditions such as obstructive sleep apnoea.

Find out how blood tests can help your doctor check for inflammation in the body and allergies, and monitor your response to medicines.