SPIROMETRY TEST
Repeated and long term exposure to certain irritants in a workplace can lead to lung related complications that can have severe effects. This is called Occupational Lung Disease. Many occupations, because of the nature of their location, work and environment are at an increased risk for occupational lung disease than others. Lung disease is a leading cause of death in Canada, and surprisingly 1 in 5 Canadians have an existing respiratory condition. Obstructive lung diseases reduce flow from the lungs, such as, asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. Restrictive lung diseases reduce the ability of the lungs to expand fully but not necessarily affect airflow. Asbestosis and silicosis, two of the most common of occupationally caused restrictive diseases, are caused by the development of fibrotic tissue in the lungs. The risk of developing a respiratory problem doubles for workers employed in specific industries including mining, manufacturing, construction, agriculture and others. Some of the symptoms of occupational lung disease include, coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, chest tightness and abnormal breathing pattern.
Occupational lung disease is preventable, if the workplaces take action to identify and address the breathing hazards caused from agents that can lead to lung related illnesses. Lung health testing and monitoring programs allow employers to reduce harm and ensure protection of their workers by promoting early identification of potential problems and introduction of intervention methods where needed.
Intrinsic Analytics’ certified and competent spirometry technicians offer spirometry testing that helps detect early signs of disease or monitor disease progression. We strictly follow guidelines and best practices set forth by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
What is a Spirometry Test?
A spirometry test, also referred to as a lung function test, is a method used to measure and assess how well your lungs work by measuring the maximum amount of air inhaled and exhaled forcibly. A spirometer measures the movement of air in the lungs during inhalation and exhalation in order to establish lung capacity and elasticity. The test is non-invasive and is one of the most reliable ways to identify pre-existing lung conditions. Regular testing and monitoring also allows a method of trending lung function over time.
The following attributes are measured during the test:
- Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)
It is defined as the maximum amount of air that you can forcefully exhale after breathing in as deeply as you can. A lower than normal FVC reading indicates restricted breathing.
- Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV)
It is defined as the volume of air exhaled during the first second of a forced expiratory maneuver. It may also be considered the average flow during the first second of the FVC. The reading helps to assess the severity of your breathing problems. Lower FEV values are indicative of significant obstruction.
Did You Know?
According to the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, long latency illnesses, emerging years after exposure to a disease-causing agent, accounted for the largest portion of compensation benefit costs between 2008 and 2017.
How is a Spirometry Test Conducted?
A spirometry test is used to measure how fast an individual is able to move air in and out of the lungs and helps to determine their lung capacity. A spirometry test is conducted in the following steps:
- First, each individual completes a lung surveillance and medical questionnaire to determine if any pre-existing conditions may prohibit or postpone the test
- Following that, a spirometry test is demonstrated and administered
- The spirometry test is conducted and a valid spirogram is obtained
If the results are below acceptable percentages they are considered abnormal and may indicate a lung or breathing issue.
In case of an abnormal result, the individual is advised to follow up with a physician or pulmonologist for further investigation and testing.
What Makes Intrinsic Analytics a Leader in Spirometry Testing?
Intrinsic Analytics’ trained and certified technicians perform the spirometry test with utmost diligence and accuracy. We assess lung function using the WelchAllyn® SpiroPerfect™spirometry system which exceeds the American Thoracic Society (ATS) standards for testing.
Our highly trained technicians are skilled to coach individuals to perform with maximal effort and co-operation for optimal test results. We strictly follow guidelines and best practices set forth by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). While spirometry can be a stand-alone test, it can also be a part of other health surveillance programs, such as Intrinsic Analytics’ Fibrogenic Dust Monitoring Program or Lung Surveillance Program.
Want to learn about our Lung Surveillance Program? Click Here
Who Needs to Get Tested?
In a workplace setting, any individual or worker who may be exposed to chemical or biological substances should be tested for their lung function.
Some of the industries at an increased risk of developing occupational lung health conditions include:
- Construction
- Mining
- Manufacturing
- Agriculture
- Healthcare
- Natural Resources.
Respiratory hazards at construction and industrial sites can include lead dust and fumes, silica dust from cutting concrete or sandblasting; isocyanate vapors from spray form insulation and coatings and carbon monoxide from gas powdered equipment.
Individuals exposed to processes where aerosols are generated, must assure that personal protective equipment is worn at all times. Also, individuals with obstructive or restrictive lung diseases such as COPD or asthma should also be periodically tested to assess the progression of the disease.
Wondering if your occupation/ industry is at an increased risk of causing an occupational health disease?
Click here to learn about different industries at risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Lung damage can be caused by inhaling what type of particles in the workplace?
Lung damage can be caused due to the inhalation of the following:
- Dust from wood, cotton, coal, asbestos, silica, talc, cereal grains, coffee, drugs, enzyme powders, pesticides, metals and fibreglass
- Fumes produced from metals that are heated and cooled quickly during smelting, welding, furnace work, pottery making, rubber and plastics manufacturing
- Smoke from burning organic materials
- Mists or sprays from paints, lacquers, hair spray, pesticides, cleaning products, oils and solvents (such as turpentine)
- Gases such as formaldehyde, ammonia, chlorine, sulfur dioxide, ozone and others that are expelled during welding, brazing, smelting, oven drying and furnace work
- Vapors in the form of gases given by liquids
2. What is a Lung Surveillance Program?
The Lung Surveillance Program is a medical screening program for workers who may be at risk of developing lung problems because of certain work conditions. The program includes spirometry, a chest x-ray and medical review.
Learn about our Lung Surveillance Program here
3. What does a spirometry test tell you?
The spirometer measures the amount of air you can breathe out in one second and the total volume of air that you can exhale in one forced breath. These measurements are compared with a normal (baseline) result for someone of your age, height and sex and will help show if your lungs are working properly or not.
4. How can I prepare for the spirometry test?
Here are a few things that you can do to before your spirometry test:
- If you are smoker, refrain from smoking 4 to 6 hours before the test
- Do not drink alcohol within four hours of your test
- Do not eat a large meal within one hour of test
- Do not use a bronchodilator 1 hour before the test
- Wear loose clothing
5. What is a spirogram?
A spirogram is a graphical representation where the breathing capacity is plotted against time. The spirogram reveals whether the individual’s lung function is normal or abnormal.
6. Are there any risks to spirometry testing?
During the test, breathing fast and hard can make you feel tired, cough, feel dizzy or light- headed, or have chest tightness or pain. You should let the spirometry technician know if you have any discomfort. You should let your technician know if you’ve had a heart attack. You should also tell your technician if you have had recent eye, chest or abdominal surgery, have had a collapsed lung or have tuberculosis. If you’ve had any of these, you may have to have medical clearance to have the test performed.
Contact Us
Intrinsic Analytics is Manitoba’s premier bioinformation services company. We provide personalized and customizable bioinformation and biochemical analysis for individuals, commercial enterprises and government agencies. We offer two main platforms, occupational health and personal health. In addition, we engage in health research aimed at developing new health related assays.