Spirometry (pulmonary function tests)

What is it?

Spirometry is a breathing test that measures how much air your lungs can hold and how fast you can blow it out. It is part of lung function tests. It is used to assess how well the lungs work.

What to expect

You blow into a tube connected to a machine, following the instructions of the health worker, sometimes several times. The test is painless and usually takes about fifteen minutes.