Respiratory Diagnostics
The NICS Respiratory Diagnostics Service provides respiratory assessment and diagnostic testing for patients aged five years and above who are referred directly by their GP.
Our Service
All results are returned to the referring GP for continuity of care. Our team is highly trained, experienced, and approachable, creating a calm and supportive environment for both adults and children.
Clinics run Monday to Saturday, offering flexible access to respiratory diagnostics across the week.
Clinics Open
Monday – Saturday
Queries Line (Option 1)
01932 503 604
Respiratory Diagnostics
Patients aged 5+
What Is Spirometry?
Spirometry is a simple, non-invasive breathing test used to assess how well the lungs are working. It measures how much air you can breathe out and how quickly you can do so. Spirometry helps to diagnose and monitor conditions such as asthma and COPD and can support treatment decisions.
During the test, you will be asked to take a deep breath in and then blow out as hard and for as long as you can into a mouthpiece connected to the spirometer. You may also be asked to perform a slow, steady breath out. The test is repeated several times to ensure reliable results. In some cases, you may be given 4 puffs of a Salbutamol (blue) inhaler and the test repeated to assess response to treatment.
What Is FeNO?
FeNO, or fractional exhaled nitric oxide, is a simple, non-invasive breath test that helps identify airway inflammation associated with asthma. It is particularly useful in supporting asthma diagnosis and monitoring response to inhaled steroid treatment.
During the test, you breathe out slowly and steadily into a handheld device. The device measures nitric oxide levels in parts per billion. Higher levels can indicate airway inflammation linked to asthma.
What To Expect At Your Appointment
If required, height and weight will be measured before testing. Spirometry and FeNO are both safe, painless tests and are suitable for most children aged five and above, depending on their ability to follow instructions. Results are reviewed by a trained clinician and shared with your GP, along with appropriate clinical interpretation and recommendations. Appointments can take up to one hour.
CYP OneStop
Ages 5–16
Assessment, testing & education in one visit
CYP OneStop Asthma Clinic
The Child and Young People OneStop Asthma Clinic is a specialist service for children and young people aged from five to sixteen who have been referred by their GP with suspected or poorly controlled asthma. The clinic brings together assessment, testing, education, and management in a single appointment.
The clinic is designed to support accurate assessment using age-appropriate respiratory testing alongside a clinical review, with a focus on clear explanations, inhaler technique, and self-management support. Findings and recommendations are shared with the child's GP to support ongoing care in primary care.
On The Day Of Your Appointment
How Does The CYP Clinic Work?
Children attending the clinic usually have respiratory testing such as FeNO and, where appropriate, spirometry. These tests help assess airway inflammation and lung function and are interpreted alongside the child's symptoms, medical history, and response to treatment. Following testing, a clinician reviews the results with the child and their parent or carer. This appointment focuses on explaining the findings, reviewing inhaler technique, providing education about asthma, and agreeing a management plan. Where appropriate, a written asthma personal action plan is completed. All results and recommendations are sent back to the referring GP. Some children may be offered a follow-up appointment or repeat testing to assess response to treatment, while others will continue routine asthma care with their GP.
Before Your Appointment
Spirometry requires maximal breathing effort, so it is important that you are feeling well on the day. Please inform the team before attending if you have had any of the following in the past two to three months:
Important
Spirometry results are not reliable if you are currently being treated for, or are recovering from, a chest infection. If you have needed antibiotics or oral steroids for a chest infection within the last six weeks, please postpone your appointment until six weeks after recovery.
During Your Appointment
The clinician will ask questions about your health and symptoms to support interpretation of your test results. All findings will be recorded in your clinical notes and shared with your GP.
After Your Appointment
Your results will be reviewed and a clinical summary sent to your GP. This process can take up to three weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our respiratory diagnostics service, including what to expect, how to prepare, and understanding your results.
Questions Before Your Appointment?
Please contact the NICS administrator on 01932 503 604 and select option 1.
