Lismore Base Hospital now has a fully functioning respiratory lab. It is currently manned by
The lab is open three days per week and offers complex lung function testing, simple pre and post bronchodilator spirometry, bronchial provocation tests (usually mannitol), a formal 6 minute walk test (with or without oxygen) and high altitude stimulation testing.
It is important that testing be done under optimal conditions which usually means the patient withholds bronchodilators, "anti-inflammatory" agents (steroids, antihistamine, anti-leukotriene receptor antagonists) and cigarettes and coffee before the test. Patients with severe respiratory and cardiovascular disease and those unable to safely perform a maximal exhalation are also unsuitable for testing.
Reports are usually available within 24 hours of the completion of the test.
Referral form pads have been sent to all North Coast GPs and an electronic version is available. There are no templates for Best Practice, Medical Director and Genie at this time.
Further information is available from
