Reversibility Test

What is a reversibility test?

The bronchodilator reversibility test is used to determine how well your lungs are working.

This test uses a spirometer and a bronchodilator. A spirometer is a machine that measures lung function. It measures how much and how fast air is blown out or exhaled. Bronchodilators are medications that open the airways, making it easier to breathe.

This test is often used in people who have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). For example, it may be done to help diagnose either condition.

What happens during a bronchodilator reversibility test?

This test is often done in the health care provider's office. The reversibility testing steps usually include the following:

1. You will be asked to take a deep breath and then blow into the mouthpiece of the spirometer as hard as you can. This is a baseline measurement. The spirometer records the results.
2. You will be given a dose of bronchodilator medication by means of an inhaler or nebulizer.
3. You will wait for about 15 minutes.
4. You will take a deep breath and then blow into the mouthpiece spirometer as hard as you can. Again, the spirometer records the results.
5. You will be asked to blow into the mouthpiece more than once to get the best reading possible.