What it is: A group of non-invasive tests that measure how well your lungs are working, assessing lung volume, capacity, flow rates, and gas exchange.
How it’s done: You will typically sit in a chair, sometimes inside a small, airtight booth. You’ll wear a nose clip and breathe into a mouthpiece connected to a machine (spirometer). You’ll be asked to perform various breathing maneuvers, such as taking a deep breath and exhaling forcefully and completely.
Time: 30-60 minutes for a comprehensive set of tests.