RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

A Trial Evaluating Novel Technologies for the Diagnosis of Asthma The LUNG-TECH Trial

The LUNG-TECH study is exploring new methods to diagnose asthma more effectively. It's divided into three main parts, or 'pathways'. One pathway compares new technologies to current tests in people with asthma, healthy individuals, and those with other breathing conditions. Another pathway looks at how well these new technologies can diagnose asthma in people who might have it, particularly in GP surgeries. The final pathway investigates if these technologies can help doctors understand more about a person's asthma type, which could lead to better tailored treatments. The goal is to gather strong evidence so these newer, potentially better, diagnostic tools can be used in everyday care.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust

Enrolment target

356

Start

09 Jan 2023

Estimated completion

28 Feb 2026

Asthma

What is this study about?

The LUNG-TECH study is all about finding better ways to diagnose asthma. Currently, diagnosing asthma can sometimes be a bit tricky, and doctors often use several different tests to get a clear picture. This study wants to see if new technologies can make this process easier, more accurate, or help doctors understand your asthma better.

To do this, the study is split into three main parts, like different investigations. In the first part, they're looking at whether these new gadgets can tell the difference between someone who has asthma, someone who's completely healthy, or someone with a different breathing problem. They'll compare the results from the new tests with the standard tests doctors use now. The second part focuses on people visiting their GP because they might have asthma. Here, the researchers want to know if these new technologies can help GPs diagnose asthma accurately, either on their own or by working alongside the usual tests.

The third and final part of the study is a bit different. It's designed to see if these new technologies can help doctors figure out the specific type of asthma someone has. Understanding the type of asthma can be really important for choosing the best treatment and managing the condition effectively. By gathering all this information, the study hopes to show that these new diagnostic tools are reliable and helpful enough to be used in hospitals and GP practices across the UK.

Key takeaways

The study is testing new ways to diagnose asthma.
It aims to improve how doctors identify asthma and understand its different types.
Participation involves a single clinic visit with standard breathing tests and new device trials.
Your contribution could help shape future asthma diagnosis methods.
You can withdraw from the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, participants generally need to be 17 years old or older. The study is looking for different groups of people. For instance, some parts of the study need people who have a confirmed diagnosis of asthma, typically within the last five years, and whose asthma isn't fully controlled despite their current treatment. These participants should not be using certain strong biological treatments for severe asthma, nor have any other serious health conditions that could affect their breathing tests.

The study also includes people with other breathing problems and, importantly, healthy volunteers. Healthy volunteers should not have any current lung conditions, shouldn't be receiving treatment for a lung infection, and have a good lung function as measured by a simple breathing test. For all participants, it's important that they haven't had a recent chest infection or asthma flare-up within the last two weeks, and aren't current heavy smokers.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 17 years old or older?
Do you have a current, confirmed asthma diagnosis (if applicable) or are you a generally healthy adult?
Have you avoided any recent chest infections or asthma flare-ups in the last two weeks?
Are you not a current heavy smoker (or have stopped smoking within acceptable limits if you used to smoke)?
Do you not have any other serious health conditions that would affect breathing tests?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you choose to take part in this study, you'll have a single visit to the clinic. Before anything else, you'll have a chat with the study team and, if you're happy, you'll give your informed consent, which means you understand and agree to participate. They'll then record some basic information about you, like your age, medical history, and any current medications.

During your visit, you'll undergo several breathing tests that are regularly used to diagnose asthma. These might include spirometry (blowing into a machine to measure your lung capacity), FeNO testing (checking for inflammation in your airways by breathing into a device), and other lung function tests. You'll also be asked to use the new diagnostic device(s) that are being tested in the study. After trying the devices, you'll fill out a short questionnaire about how easy or comfortable you found each test to use. The total duration of your involvement will be this single visit, with no further follow-up required after that.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may not directly benefit your health, but your contribution is really valuable as it will help researchers find better ways to diagnose asthma in the future, which could help many other people. The tests you'll have are standard breathing tests used in clinics, so any risks are generally very low, similar to what you'd experience during a normal check-up. These might include feeling a little breathless or dizzy after some deep breaths. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust
Verified postcode
Portsmouth, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is the main goal of the LUNG-TECH study?

The main goal is to find out if new devices and technologies can help doctors diagnose asthma more accurately and understand it better.

Will I have to take any new medicines?

No, this study is about testing diagnostic tools, not new medicines. You will continue with your usual asthma treatment if you have asthma.

How long will I need to be involved in the study?

Your involvement typically involves just one visit to a clinic for testing and measurements.

What kind of tests will I have?

You'll have several standard breathing tests like spirometry, and you'll also try out the new diagnostic devices being investigated in the study.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you can choose to withdraw from the study at any time without having to give a reason, and it won't affect your medical care.

How to find out more

Joe Mr Shoebridge

research.office@porthosp.nhs.uk 02392286236 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.