Spirometry is a crucial test to make the diagnosis of COPD, and that should always be the default position. However, in light of the restrictions put in place due to COVID, the availability of lung function testing across the country is limited at the moment. Therefore, during this transition period, GPs may have to make a judgement as to whether a patient might have COPD (based on other criteria such as smoking history, CT scan reports, historical spirometry data, etc.). Once Spirometry is up and running, patients can be given a formal diagnostic.
To assist our colleagues in secondary care, please only send referrals and/or advice and guidance requests about COPD where clinically necessary.
740