Comfortable, loose clothing
Avoid clothing that restricts taking a full breath.
Employee guide
Your workplace breathing test, without the uncertainty.
What spirometry measures, how to prepare, what happens during the assessment and how your information is protected.
Why you may be invited
A check linked to workplace respiratory risk.
Your employer may arrange spirometry as part of respiratory health surveillance where work could expose you to substances that can affect breathing.
The test helps measure lung function and look for meaningful change over time. It is not, by itself, a diagnosis or a decision that you are fit or unfit for work.
Before your appointment
Follow the instructions you are sent.
Avoid a large meal shortly before
Your appointment instructions should give the exact timing for your programme.
Follow the stated avoidance period
NHS guidance commonly advises avoiding smoking for 24 hours and alcohol for 4 hours before clinical spirometry; use your provider’s instructions.
Do not stop them on your own
Only change prescribed medicine or inhaler use if an appropriate healthcare professional instructs you.
During the test
Several coached breathing attempts.
- 01
Safety and history check
The assessor asks about relevant health, recent illness or procedures and measures details needed to interpret results.
- 02
Seated breathing manoeuvre
You breathe in fully, seal your lips around a clean mouthpiece and blow out as hard, fast and completely as possible.
- 03
Repeat for consistency
You will usually repeat the blow at least several times so the assessor can judge test quality and repeatability.
- 04
Pause whenever needed
Tell the assessor if you feel pain, unwell, dizzy or unable to continue.
Contact the team beforehand
Some circumstances need review before testing.
Recent chest infection, heart attack or stroke, uncontrolled high blood pressure, certain heart conditions, recent surgery, coughing blood or other acute symptoms may affect whether testing should go ahead.
This list is not exhaustive. Contact the assessment team if you are unwell or uncertain. For severe breathlessness, chest pain or another urgent symptom, seek urgent medical help.
Employee questions
Practical answers before you attend.
Should I stop my inhaler before the test?
Do not stop prescribed medicines or inhalers unless the healthcare professional responsible for your appointment specifically tells you to. Follow the instructions sent with your appointment and bring medication details.
Can spirometry make me feel dizzy?
The forceful breathing can sometimes cause temporary light-headedness. Tell the assessor immediately. You will be seated and can pause or stop if needed.
What if I have a chest infection or recent surgery?
Contact the assessment team before attending. Some illnesses, cardiovascular conditions and recent procedures may mean the test should be postponed or clinically reviewed first.
Will my employer see my results?
Detailed test results and clinical notes are confidential medical information. Your employer should receive only appropriate work-related outcome and health-record information, unless you give written consent for more to be shared.
SourceNHS: Spirometry test