Special Testing

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» Cardiac Stress Testing
» Echocardiogram
» Exercise Oximetry

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» Pulmonary Function Testing
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Exercise Oximetry

What is an exercise oximetry test?

This is a non-invasive (without a needle) technique in which we can roughly determine the amount of oxygen that is in your blood.

The therapist will make note of your resting value and then ask you to walk at your normal pace to evaluate the response of oxygen in your blood to an increased activity level.

Does it hurt?

NO! A small clip is placed on a finger and an infrared light source is used to determine the approximate amount of oxygen that is in your hemoglobin. The clip is attached to a machine and it will display the oxygen saturation and the pulse rate.

How long does the test take?

Anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour. If the therapist discovers that the oxygen saturation drops significantly during exercise then you may be given oxygen through a nasal cannula (a small oxygen tube that sits under your nose) and asked to sit for 20 minutes before the walk is repeated.

Occasionally higher levels of oxygen are used so each time the therapist increases the oxygen level you will have to sit another 10-20 minutes. In the case where more than two level changes occur, the test could take over an hour to perform.

Why did my doctor send me for this test?

There are several different reasons your doctor could have sent you for this test and the list below will give you a general idea of some of the patients we see.

Perhaps:

• you have been complaining of shortness of breath
• you have complained that you can no longer walk very far without having to stop and catch your breath
• to help determine if in home oxygen therapy is needed
• to determine if you are receiving the correct flow of oxygen from your home oxygen equipment

How do I prepare for this test?

Generally there is no preparation for this test. It is recommended that you remove your nail polish before the test.

How will my doctor get the results?

A respirologist will interpret all exercise oximetry tests performed in the special testing unit at K-W Health Centre. A respirologist is a doctor that is specially trained in lung disorders. Then a report is typed up and sent out to the referring doctor.