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Respiratory and Spirometry hubs

Healthcare Central London’s Respiratory and Spirometry diagnostic hubs are for any patient (aged 18+) who is registered with a HCL member Practice and who has a respiratory condition, such as suspected asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

How do I get an appointment?

Your GP will refer you to one of the hubs if they want to measure how well your lungs work.

Where are the hubs?

The hubs are available at:

What tests are available?

Two types of breathing tests can be conducted at the hubs:

  • Spirometry testing
    This measures the size of your lungs, airways and the air flow from your lungs. Repeat Spirometry testing can also be done to measure the lungs’ response to medications that open up the airways (bronchodilators).
  • FeNO (Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide) testing
    This measures inflammation in the lungs.

For both tests, you’ll have to take a series of deep breaths in and then do slow/hard blows out. Your clinician will guide you through the procedure on the day of testing.

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How should I prepare for my test?

To get the best possible results:

  • Do not take your usual inhalers on the day of testing (please bring your inhalers and spacer with you to have during or after your breathing test)
  • Do not smoke or vape for 24 hours before the test
  • Do not drink any alcohol for at least four hours before the test
  • Do not exercise heavily for at least 15 minutes before the test
  • Do not have any large meals before the test (a sandwich is fine)
  • Do not wear tight or restricting clothing on the day of the test

Is there any reason I shouldn’t have a Spirometry of FeNO test?

It is important that you have been well in the six weeks before your test.

Spirometry and FeNO tests should not be performed if you:

  • Have had a chest infection or taken antibiotics or steroids for your breathing
  • Have had eye, chest or abdominal surgery in the last 12 weeks
  • Have uncontrolled high or low blood pressure
  • Have coughed up blood
  • Have experienced chest pain, had a heart attack or stroke in the last 12 weeks
  • Have a condition that may be aggravated by prolonged expiration 
(e.g. history of panic attacks)
  • Have had recent mouth/dental procedures or infection, which may make placement of the mouthpiece distressing or painful
  • Have symptoms of COVID-19 or have tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 10 days

If any of the above apply to you, please email hcl.rds1@nhs.net to rebook your appointment.

What happens after my test?

The result of your test will be sent to your GP who should contact you to make a formal diagnosis and refer you for treatment (if relevant). If you do not hear from your GP within two weeks of your appointment at the hub, please contact them directly.

Why are these hubs so important?

The hubs help patients to self-manage their symptoms and help to reduce the number of hospital admissions. 100% of patients said they would recommend the hubs to friends or family if they needed similar care or treatment.

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