Lesson Two - Tests
Completion requirements
Other Tests
Other specialized tests might be ordered by the doctor as well.
Click each collapsible row to view more information. Again, the test names are hyperlinked if you want more information about any of these tests.
Spirometry
A spirometry test measures lung function by checking how much air the patient can exhale and how fast the patient can breathe out after a deep breath. This estimates how narrow the patient’s bronchial tubes are. This test may be done before and after using a common bronchodilator (brong-koh-DIE-lay-tur) to open the airways. If the function improves after using a bronchodilator, it is likely the patient has asthma.
A spirometry test measures lung function by checking how much air the patient can exhale and how fast the patient can breathe out after a deep breath. This estimates how narrow the patient’s bronchial tubes are. This test may be done before and after using a common bronchodilator (brong-koh-DIE-lay-tur) to open the airways. If the function improves after using a bronchodilator, it is likely the patient has asthma.
Peak Flow
A peak flow meter measures how hard the patient can breathe out. Lower than usual readings may be a sign the patient’s lungs may not be working as well as they should be. This could be a sign that already diagnosed asthma is getting worse. Like with spirometry, this test may be done before and after using a bronchodilator to open the airways. If the function improves after using a bronchodilator, it is likely the patient has asthma.
A peak flow meter measures how hard the patient can breathe out. Lower than usual readings may be a sign the patient’s lungs may not be working as well as they should be. This could be a sign that already diagnosed asthma is getting worse. Like with spirometry, this test may be done before and after using a bronchodilator to open the airways. If the function improves after using a bronchodilator, it is likely the patient has asthma.
Methacholine Challenge
Methacholine is a known asthma trigger that will cause mild constriction of the airways when inhaled. If the patient reacts to the methacholine, they likely have asthma. This test can indicate asthma even if the initial lung function test is normal.
Methacholine is a known asthma trigger that will cause mild constriction of the airways when inhaled. If the patient reacts to the methacholine, they likely have asthma. This test can indicate asthma even if the initial lung function test is normal.
Provocative Testing
This test is done to help with further diagnosis of exercise or cold induced asthma. To perform this test, the patient's airway obstruction is measured prior to and after taking part in vigorous physical activity or taking several breaths of cold air. The results are then compared and used to inform the final diagnosis.
This test is done to help with further diagnosis of exercise or cold induced asthma. To perform this test, the patient's airway obstruction is measured prior to and after taking part in vigorous physical activity or taking several breaths of cold air. The results are then compared and used to inform the final diagnosis.
Genetic Testing
Genetic testing can be done in utero (on a baby while the mother is pregnant) or at any time during a person's life. Testing can be done on body tissue, blood, urine or saliva. Using the sample the DNA of cells can be checked for changes in the genes, and the number, order, and structure of chromosomes.
Genetic testing can be done in utero (on a baby while the mother is pregnant) or at any time during a person's life. Testing can be done on body tissue, blood, urine or saliva. Using the sample the DNA of cells can be checked for changes in the genes, and the number, order, and structure of chromosomes.
Joint Fluid Analysis
To do a joint fluid analysis, a needle is inserted into the joint and fluid is removed and analysed. This is done to rule out other causes of joint pain such as infection or gout.
To do a joint fluid analysis, a needle is inserted into the joint and fluid is removed and analysed. This is done to rule out other causes of joint pain such as infection or gout.
Skin Prick Test
This test may also be called a puncture test or prick test. To administer this test, the skin is pricked with a small amount of a possible allergen. If the skin shows a reaction, such as itchiness, redness or swelling, it may indicate that an allergy is present.
This test may also be called a puncture test or prick test. To administer this test, the skin is pricked with a small amount of a possible allergen. If the skin shows a reaction, such as itchiness, redness or swelling, it may indicate that an allergy is present.