A full range of respiratory tests are available at Sleep WA. Please note that not all tests are available at all our locations.
Click on the links below to learn more about each specific test offered at Sleep WA.
Respiratory Tests
Spirometry is a breathing test that measures air capacity of the lungs. More specifically, it measures the maximum amount of air a person can breathe out (after taking a deep breath in), as well as how much a person can breathe out in one second. These measurements of air capacity identify lung disease, measure reaction to treatment and assess upper airway obstruction. Contact Us or phone 1300 570 700 today to request a consultation.
Lung function tests are comprehensive breathing tests to evaluate airways and lung tissue. The breathing tests identify type, severity and progress of all respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (emphysema and chronic bronchitis). Contact Us or phone 1300 570 700 today to request a consultation.
The oxygen therapy assessment measures oxygen levels and heart rate whilst a patient walks for six minutes along a corridor. This walking test determines the need for home oxygen therapy and may assess response to drug treatments, oxygen therapy or exercise rehab programs. Contact Us or phone 1300 570 700 today to request a consultation.
Nasal resistance testing evaluates the nasal airways to identify nasal obstruction and response to decongestant. The test may also identify how nasal obstruction contributes to rhinitis (stuffy nose), snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea. If a patient requires Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) to treat obstructive sleep apnoea, nasal resistance testing will help in determining the most effective and comfortable type of CPAP mask. Contact Us or phone 1300 570 700 today to request a consultation.
The mannitol challenge is a new bronchial provocation test to diagnose asthma. A patient inhales increasing doses of mannitol and airway sensitivity is subsequently measured (via spirometry). The mannitol challenge is especially useful in assessing suspected asthma in Defence Forces, elite athletes and divers. The test is typically more tolerable than hypertonic saline and is accepted by the medical commission of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in diagnosing asthma in elite athletes. Contact Us or phone 1300 570 700 today to request a consultation.
FENO testing is a simple and safe method of measuring airway inflammation. It measures Nitric oxide concentration in exhaled breath and can be used to support a diagnosis of asthma or assess whether current treatment is effective. Contact Us or phone 1300 570 700 today to request a consultation.
Skin tests determine a patient’s reaction to common inhaled allergens such as house dust mite, grasses, dog hair, cat pelt, mould and Aspergillus. A small amount of the suspected allergen is placed on the skin of the arm and reactions are observed. Several aeroallergens may be tested at once. Contact Us or phone 1300 570 700 today to request a consultation.
The air we breathe is comprised of approximately 21% oxygen. At high altitudes, the air circulated in an aircraft cabin drops to approximately 14% oxygen. In patients with cardiac or lung disease, a 14% oxygen mixture may not be sufficient to maintain healthy blood oxygen levels, especially if the person needs to move about the cabin. During the flight altitude simulation test, a person breathes a 14% oxygen mixture both at rest and while moving up and down a step. Oxygen levels are monitored to determine the need for in-flight oxygen during domestic and international fights. Contact Us or phone 1300 570 700 today to request a consultation.