This service or treatment is generally covered by most health insurance policies. You are responsible for checking your insurance policy cover, and you may need a referral letter. Check which insurance companies are covered.
Private Full Lung Function Test
Lung function tests are a comprehensive way to assess how well your lungs are working. At Welbeck, these are managed by our respiratory specialists in our state-of-the-art Lung Health centre.
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What are full lung function tests?
Lung function tests are a comprehensive way to assess how well your lungs are working. The tests measure lung capacity, airflow, and gas exchange to help diagnose and monitor conditions such as asthma, COPD, and other respiratory disorders.
A full lung function test is helpful in making a diagnosis and quantifying the degree of lung damage. There are several reasons why a Welbeck respiratory specialist may wish to perform these tests, including:
if you've been having breathing problems
if you have symptoms, or if your doctor feels you're at an increased risk of developing a particular lung condition
to assess the progress of your existing breathing condition by comparing these tests with previous results
to see how your breathing condition improves with different treatments and to help assess fitness before surgery
At Welbeck, full lung function tests are carried out by our experienced respiratory specialists in our state-of-the-art Lung Health centre, after a consultation. Please get in touch to book an appointment.
What does a full lung function test involve?
A full lung function test at Welbeck includes the following assessments:
Spirometry lung function test - This measures the flow and volume of air through the airways into the lungs. You’ll be asked to take a deep breath in and then blow out as hard and fast as possible into a device called a spirometer. This helps to identify any obstructions in the airways and reductions in the capacity of the lungs.
Lung volume measurement - This measures the total capacity of the lungs. During this test, you’ll sit inside a transparent glass box while breathing into a mouthpiece. You’ll then inhale until your lungs are full, then breathe all the way out until they’re empty. This test helps to identify if there’s a reduction in your total lung capacity.
Gas transfer testing - This measures the flow of oxygen into the lungs and the efficiency of its transfer into the blood. During this test, you’ll breathe in a harmless gas through a mouthpiece, hold your breath for around 10 seconds, then exhale. The gas will then be analysed to indicate how much oxygen has transferred through the lungs into the blood.
Often, to gain a comprehensive clinical picture of one's lung health, the clinician might request a fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), in addition to a full lung function test. This diagnostic test measures the level of nitric oxide in your breath. While useful in diagnosing and managing asthma, this is a separate test that does not form part of a full lung function test. The self-pay price for this test is £127.
What are the risks of a full lung function test?
All of the tests involved are generally very safe and well-tolerated. Some patients can experience lightheadedness and fatigue due to repeatedly breathing in and out maximally.
Our physiologists are professionally trained to ensure you can complete the tests in a safe and supportive environment, guiding you throughout and monitoring for any discomfort. There are strict hygiene protocols in place to minimise any risk of infection, including thorough cleaning of equipment and use of disposable filters.
How to prepare for a full lung function test
There’s no preparation needed ahead of having a lung function test. If anything is required, your specialist will instruct you before your appointment.
Some of the tests involved may not be suitable if you have certain health conditions, such as unstable heart problems, recent surgery, or severe respiratory issues. If you have any concerns or specific medical conditions, our team will discuss these with you beforehand to ensure the test is safe and appropriate.
Recovery and aftercare
All of the tests involved are very straightforward, and there's no recovery or aftercare needed.
How much does a private full lung function test cost?
An initial consultation with a Welbeck Lung Health specialist ranges from £250 to £350.
The self-pay price for a full lung function test is £500.
Why choose Welbeck?
At Welbeck, our lung health specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.
With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if needed to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.
All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.
Booking a private full lung function test
At Welbeck, your safety and comfort are our priority, and we take every step to make the testing experience as smooth and reassuring as possible.
This test can only be booked after a consultation with a specialist. To schedule a consultation with a Welbeck consultant, please get in touch with our Lung Health centre to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.
Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.
FAQs
How long does the test take?
A standard full lung function test can take up to 45 minutes. Additional tests will add to this time, depending on the request.
How long does it take for me to receive my results?
Within 15 to 20 minutes, the results will be ready to be reported on by one of our consultant specialists. If you were referred by your GP, we aim to have the finalised report available to them in 24 to 48 hours.
How accurate are full lung function tests?
With the guidance of our respiratory physiologists, the tests are very accurate. Our specialised team ensures that tests are executed optimally, whilst ensuring you’re comfortable during the testing phase.
What if I am claustrophobic?
During the lung volume measurement test, the door to the glass box remains unlocked, and the team is very well versed in techniques to ensure our patients are comfortable at all times during testing.
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Condition overview
Lung Function Testing
What are full lung function tests?
What does a full lung function test involve?
What are the risks of a full lung function test?
How to prepare for a full lung function test
Recovery and aftercare
How much does a private full lung function test cost?
Why choose Welbeck?
Booking a private full lung function test
FAQs
Health Insurance
Doctor Referral Only
You will generally need to get a referral letter from your NHS GP, Private GP, or other doctor to access this service or treatment. Find out more including how we can assist you
Self-Pay Available
This treatment is available for self-paying users. If you would like to see more information on pricing visit our pricing and payments page.
Fixed Price Package
For peace of mind, this service or treatment is available for an all-inclusive fixed price package.
Next Day Availability
We usually have next day availability for this service, please call us to check availability.
Direct Booking
See live availability and confirm your appointment immediately.
Lung function test specialists
We’ve invited the UK’s best respiratory specialists to join us as partners, with the freedom to make design and delivery decisions based on what’s best for patients.