On-Site Lab Testing

ASTHMA

Spirometry Test

Spirometry measures lung health by a patient blowing into a diagnostic computer.

It evaluates lung conditions that inflame or narrow the airways, such as asthma or COPD.

Spirometry is helpful for screening, monitoring, and diagnosing shortness of breath, wheezing, or coughing.

What kind of tests do you use for asthma?

The main one is called Spirometry. It measures how much air you can breathe out and how fast you can blow it out. We might also do tests to see if medicine helps you breathe better immediately, or check for inflammation in your airways.

How should I get ready for the breathing test?

Please don’t smoke for at least an hour before the test. Also, try to avoid big, heavy meals or a hard workout right before coming in. Your doctor might ask you to skip certain inhalers for a few hours before the appointment so we can get accurate baseline results.

What if I have an asthma attack during the test?

Don’t worry, you are in safe hands. We monitor you closely, and we always have rescue inhalers and emergency medication right here to stop symptoms immediately if that happens.

Can asthma be cured completely?

Asthma is a chronic condition, so there isn’t a permanent “cure” yet, but it can be managed very effectively. With the right plan, most people live totally normal, active lives without constant symptoms.

How often should I come in for a check-up?

Even if you feel fine, it’s good to check in every 6 to 12 months. However, if you notice you’re using your rescue inhaler more often or your breathing gets worse, you should book an appointment right away.

ECHO STRESS

Test

Stress test is an EKG performed while a person exercises on a treadmill. Echocardiogram shows the motion of the heart’s walls and pumping action.

Testing may reveal a lack of blood flow that isn’t always apparent on other heart tests. The echo is performed before and after the exercise.

It takes about 1 hour and is performed in the office under physician supervision.

What's the difference between this and a regular Echo?

A regular Echo (ultrasound) looks at your heart while you are relaxing. A Stress Echo checks how your heart works when it’s under pressure—like when you’re exercising. This helps us catch problems that might not show up when you’re resting.

What actually happens during the test?

First, we do an ultrasound of your heart while you rest. Then, you’ll exercise (usually on a treadmill or bike) until your heart rate goes up. As soon as you stop, we do another ultrasound immediately to see how your heart handles the work.

What should I wear?

Definitely wear comfortable clothes and athletic shoes (sneakers) suitable for walking or running. Please avoid dresses, heels, or flip-flops.

What if I can’t run on a treadmill?

If you have joint pain or can’t exercise for other reasons, just let us know. We can do a “pharmacological” stress test where we give you medication that mimics the effect of exercise on your heart while you lie down.

Is this safe?

Yes, it is considered very safe. We monitor your heart rhythm and blood pressure the entire time. The risk of complications is very low, and our medical team is right there to handle anything if needed.

EKG

And 24 hour heart monitoring

An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) measures the electrical activity of your heart. The heart generates an electrical signal, which flows out from your heart through your body.

Small electrical sensors, called electrodes, are put on your skin to sense the electricity that began in your heart. The electrical activity is then turned into a graph.

This can give us an idea of whether your heart is beating normally.

What exactly is an EKG and why do I need one?

An EKG is a quick, painless test that records the electrical signals in your heart. It helps us check your heart rhythm, look for signs of a previous or current heart attack, and see if your heart is working the way it should.

Do I need to do anything special to prepare?

Not really. Just try to avoid putting any heavy lotions, oils, or creams on your chest the day of the test, as they can keep the sticky patches from staying on. It also helps to wear a shirt that is easy to remove or unbutton.

How long does it take?

It’s super fast. The actual recording only takes about 5 to 10 minutes. You just have to lie still while the machine does its work.

Does it hurt?

Not at all. We just place small sticky patches (electrodes) on your chest, arms, and legs. They don’t send electricity into your body; they just read what your heart is doing.

Should I take my medications beforehand?

Usually, yes. You should take your daily meds unless your doctor specifically told you not to. Just be sure to let the technician know what you’ve taken, as some meds can affect the results.