What Is A Lung Function Test?

In short, a lung function test is a simple, non-invasive assessment used to measure how well lungs are working. Employers use these tests for several reasons, primarily to assess the respiratory health of employees and ensure workplace safety.

Perhaps you need to test your employees as a result of an identified workplace hazard. Or you need to check that the working environment isn’t affecting the respiratory health of an employee returning to work following sick leave — this article will answer all your questions when it comes to lung function tests.

Keep reading to learn why these tests are so vital for safeguarding your employees and preventing workplace-related illnesses.

What is a lung function test?

Often referred to as a pulmonary function test, or PFT, a lung function test involves an employee blowing into a spirometer device that measures the volume of air they breathe in and out. It checks various aspects of lung function, including:

• Lung capacity
• Airflow
• How efficiently the lungs can deliver oxygen to the blood

The test itself is completely painless and relatively quick – the results give healthcare experts and employers vital insights into whether an employee’s lungs are functioning within a healthy range or if further investigation is required. 

What happens during a lung function test?

During a spirometry lung function test, the patient will need to take a deep breath and blow into a small tube known as the spirometer device until their lungs are completely empty. Typically, this needs to be repeated a few times to ensure that the data is accurate.

What are the benefits of a lung function test for employees?

A lung function test is incredibly useful for checking lung health, particularly for those concerned about their oxygen levels, asthma or breathing problems. This is especially important for employees exposed to smoke and dust in their line of work. 

The results of these tests give an in-depth look at total lung capacity, showing exactly how much air the lungs can hold and how effective the airways are. This early detection of lung problems is key to preventing more severe lung issues in the future and helps to monitor any changes over time. 

If you have already been diagnosed with asthma or other lung problems, a lung function test can identify how much these conditions are impacting your breathing capacity. 

What are the benefits of a lung function test for business owners?

Lung function tests are a proactive way of promoting a safer work environment. By investing in the health of their employees, business owners are showing that they are putting safety first and complying with health standards. In turn, this makes employees feel valued and more engaged with their day-to-day work which boosts productivity levels and offers more financial stability as there are lower absenteeism rates. 

What conditions can lung function tests diagnose?

These tests are crucial in diagnosing and monitoring conditions that affect breathing, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It might also be surprising to learn that the lungs can be impacted by Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVs), particularly if someone has been exposed to prolonged vibrations or harmful dust in the workplace, so this is another condition that can be detected.

Why do employers use lung function tests?

As discussed in many of our previous articles, high levels of sickness absence in the workplace can significantly impact a business – from low morale, reduced productivity and higher operational costs, there are many reasons why employers can feel the pinch when there is a higher absenteeism rate at their business. 

As such, lung function tests are essential tools in occupational health, helping to assess and monitor the respiratory health of employees in different work environments. In turn, this helps to lower sickness leave as early signs of lung problems are identified, allowing for timely interventions so employees are protected from further harm.

Employers use lung function tests to protect and support the health and safety of their workforce, particularly in workplaces where respiratory health is at greater risk, such as construction sites or manufacturing plants. 

Employers have a duty of care regarding the safety of their employees and a legal responsibility to stay fully compliant with workplace safety regulations, so these tests play an important role in protecting the health of their workers. 

Other reasons these tests are carried out include:

• Pre-employment screening: providing a baseline of an employee’s lung function before they begin work
• Assess fitness for role: ensuring employees are physically fit to carry out their duties safely and provide early detection of any respiratory problems
• Return-to-work assessment: checking whether an employee is ready to return to work following a period off due to ill health

How long does a lung function test take?

On average, the test is completed within 15 to 30 minutes, but this can vary depending on the different requirements of each individual. For example, if your employee is being tested for a specific condition, they might need to have multiple tests which can extend the length of the appointment. 

How can I prepare for a lung function test?

For those wondering how to get ready for a lung function test, there are some things people can do to prepare for reliable results:

• Avoid smoking, alcohol, eating a large meal or exercise in the hours leading up to the test
• Continue to take prescribed medication, such as inhalers, as advised
• Keep calm and relaxed as anxiety or stress can affect breathing patterns

How long does it take to receive the results of a lung function test?

Results of a standard lung function test are available straight away; where an issue is identified, the results are typically available within a few days after being reviewed by a specialist. 

You can benefit from a stronger, more resilient workforce today. To find out how we can help your UK business with our lung function tests, give us a call or complete an online management referral form. We are always on hand to help with any query or request.