ABC Medical Center > Procedures > Pre-Bronchodilator Spirometry

What is pre-bronchodilator spirometry?

21 November 2025

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A spirometry is a medical laboratory procedure used to evaluate lung function by measuring the amount of air you can inhale and exhale, as well as the speed of your exhalation.

There are two types of spirometry: pre-bronchodilator and post-bronchodilator. The test is the same in both cases, except that in the second, the patient is given an inhaled drug that dilates the bronchi.

This text focuses on pre-bronchodilator spirometry (or spirometry without a bronchodilator). For this test, you’ll be asked to breathe through a tube connected to a spirometer, a device that can measure respiratory function for all types of breaths—whether they’re slow, fast, shallow, or deep.

This test doesn’t pose any risks, though you may occasionally experience slight shortness of breath or mild dizziness.

Conditions Detectable by a Pre-Bronchodilator Spirometry

Through spirometry, it’s possible to detect various respiratory conditions, such as:

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Asthma
  • Pulmonary emphysema
  • Pulmonary fibrosis
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Interstitial lung disease
  • Chronic bronchitis

Steps for a Pre-Bronchodilator Spirometry

  • You’ll sit in a chair for the entire duration of the test.
  • A clip will be placed on your nose to prevent you from breathing through it.
  • The technician will ensure your lips are sealed around the mouthpiece to prevent air leaks.
  • You’ll be asked to inhale as deeply as you can and then exhale with as much force as possible.
  • The procedure will be repeated three times to confirm the results.

Key Results from a Pre-Bronchodilator Spirometry

  • Forced Vital Capacity (FVC): This measures the amount of air you can exhale with full force after the deepest inhalation you’re capable of.
  • Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV1): This measures how much air you can exhale in one second. It helps determine the severity of any respiratory obstruction you may have.

The study usually takes between 10 and 20 minutes, making it a quick and safe test.

In the Pulmonary Physiology and Inhalation Therapy department, we have expert respiratory therapists who have the knowledge and skills to perform their work with the support of the most advanced technology in pulmonary function tests, metabolic monitoring, and video bronchoscopy.

Related Centers and Departments:

Pulmonary Physiology and Inhalation Therapy
Cardiovascular Center
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Fuentes:

  • mayoclinic.org
  • neumologica.org
  • medicalnews.com
  • kidshealth.org
  • empendium.com
  • medigraphic.org
  • Benítez-Pérez RE, Cortés-Telles A, Meneses-Tamayo E, et al. Espirometría: actualización del procedimiento y perspectivas pospandemia. Neumol Cir Tórax. 2023;82(2):104-124. doi:10.35366/115397.
  • Vargas-Domínguez C, Vázquez-García JC. Repetibilidad y reproducibilidad de la capacidad inspiratoria medida por espirometría y por pletismografía corporal. Neumol Cir Tórax. 2023;82(1):7-13. doi:10.35366/114223.
  • Toquica SNE, Sarduy PM, Oramas DM, et al. Frecuencia de hipertensión pulmonar en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica. Rev cubana med. 2022;61(1):1-15.
  • Hernández-Morales AP, Robles-Hernández RE, Vázquez-García JC. Estereología pulmonar en enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica: exploración funcional pulmonar por imagen. Neumol Cir Tórax. 2023;82(1):21-28. doi:10.35366/114225.

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    The dissemination of the content of this material is for informational purposes only and does not replace, under any circumstance or condition, a consultation with a specialist doctor, for which the ABC Medical Center is not responsible for the different use that may be given to it. If you require more information related to the subject, we suggest you contact the specialist doctor you trust directly.