For Patients
Preparing for Your Appointment
Your Visit Checklist
- A Valid Referral: Essential for Medicare billing. Please bring the hard copy or ensure your GP has sent it via our [Doctor Portal].
- Medicare / DVA Card: Required for Bulk Billing.
- Current Medications: Bring your actual inhalers or a clear list of names and dosages.
- Arrival Time: Please arrive 10 minutes early to complete any necessary paperwork.
- Clothing: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. You will be asked to breathe deeply and forcefully.
Note: You do not need to fast for these tests. However, please avoid a large meal within 2 hours of your appointment and do not smoke on the day of testing.
Medication Withholding Guidelines
Can I take my inhaler?
To ensure the most accurate results, certain medications need to be paused prior to testing. If you feel unwell or are unsure if it is safe to pause your medication, please consult your referring doctor first.
| Time to Withhold | Medication & Examples |
|---|---|
| 6–8 Hours | Inhaled Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents Sodium Cromoglycate, Nedocromil Sodium (Intal, Tilade) |
| 8 Hours | Short-Acting Beta2 Agonists (Relievers) Salbutamol, Terbutaline, Ventolin, Asmol, Airomir, Bricanyl |
| 12 Hours | Inhaled Corticosteroids & Anticholinergics Flixotide, Alvesco, Pulmicort, Beclomethasone, Budesonide, Fluticasone, Mometasone, Atrovent (Ipratropium), Bretaris, Brimica |
| 24 Hours | Long-Acting Beta2 Agonists & Combination Inhalers Seretide, Symbicort, Flutiform, Serevent, Foradile, Onbrez, Theophylline, Breo, Trelegy |
| 72 Hours (3 Days) | LAMA & Antihistamines Spiriva (Tiotropium), Incruse, Seebri, Spiolto, Anoro, Ultibro, Cetirizine, Fexofenadine, Loratadine (Zyrtec, Telfast, Claratyne) |
| 4 Days | Leukotriene-Receptor Antagonists Montelukast Sodium (Singulair) |
Additional Preparation Requirements
- No Fasting Required: You do not need to fast before your test.
- Meals: Please do not consume a large meal within 2 hours of your testing time.
- Smoking: Do not smoke on the day of your test or the evening prior.
- Safety First: Only withhold medication if it is safe to do so. Please verify with your referring doctor if you are unsure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I allow for my appointment?
Standard tests (Spirometry and Gas Diffusion) usually take 30–45 minutes. If you are booked for a Mannitol Challenge or multiple tests, please allow up to 90 minutes.
Do I need a referral to be Bulk Billed?
Yes. To access Medicare Bulk Billing, you must have a valid referral from a GP or Specialist. Please bring this with you or ensure your doctor has uploaded it via our portal.
When will my doctor receive the results?
All data is reviewed and interpreted by our Consultant Respiratory Physicians. A formal report is typically sent to your referring doctor within 24–48 hours.
Can I eat before the test?
Yes, fasting is not required. However, we recommend avoiding a large, heavy meal within 2 hours of your test to ensure you can breathe comfortably during the maneuvers.
What if I need to cancel?
We require at least 24 hours‘ notice for cancellations. This allows us to reallocate the appointment to other patients on our waiting list.