Direct Diagnostic Spirometry Service

The direct diagnostic spirometry (DDS) service performs spirometry with reversibility (if clinically indicated) and Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FENO) with the test results interpreted and recommendations for treatment made to the referrer.

 

Referrals are sent via email to BCHNT.bchrespiratory@nhs.net and following triage, the patient will be allocated an appointment.

 

Inclusion Criteria

One or more of the following:

• Aged 35 and over and current smoker or ex-smoker, for suspected COPD diagnosis.
• Aged 18 years and over, for suspected asthma diagnosis.
• Has recurrent respiratory symptoms, for example cough ,wheeze, dyspnoea.
• Diagnostic uncertainty (Asthma / COPD).

 

Exclusion Criteria

• Age less than 18 years.
• Acutely ill, frail or housebound.
• Chest infection requiring steroids and / or antibiotics within the past 6 weeks.
• Abnormal CXR with suspicion of cancer.
• Haemoptysis of unknown origin.
• Unstable cardiac conditions, i.e. angina or unstable Hypertension recent MI within (7 days).
• Current TB or infectious disease.
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea (clear for 48 hours).
• Recent operations wait time before test (eyes - 6 weeks, vascular - 6 weeks, brain surgery - 6 weeks, abdominal or thoracic surgery - 4 weeks ).
• Current pneumothorax (within 3 weeks), pulmonary embolism, stroke, aortic or cerebral aneurysm more than 6 cm or bulging.
• Confused and unable to follow a command.
• Pregnancy.
• History of syncope related to forced expiratory cough.
• Recent concussion with continuing symptoms.
• Acute Cor Pulmonale.
• Sinus surgery or middle ear surgery or infection within 1 week.
• Decompensated Heart Failure.
• Significant atrial or ventricular arrhythmia.
• Acute hyperthyroidism.
• Acute thyrotoxicosis.

 

Test locations

North Locality	Stockland Green Primary Care Centre 192 Reservoir Road, Erdington, Birmingham B23 6DJ	Friday 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
West Locality	Soho Health Centre 247-251 Soho Road, Birmingham B21 9RY	Wednesday and Thursday 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

We are closed during bank holidays.

 

Direct Diagnostic Spirometry referral form