Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Comparing Advanced Technologies to Standard Testing for the Diagnosis of Airway Disease in Hospital and Community Settings

This research is looking at new ways to diagnose long-term lung conditions, such as COPD. Currently, diagnosis often relies on a breathing test called spirometry, which can be hard for some people to do. We want to see if newer, potentially simpler and quicker breathing tests can accurately find these conditions, especially in their early stages. The study will compare these new tests against the usual methods in both hospital and local clinic settings. We'll also check how easy and comfortable these new tests are for patients, and whether they could be used more widely to help more people get a diagnosis sooner.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

300

Start

01 Sep 2026

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2029

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)Airway Disease

What is this study about?

Many people in the UK live with long-term lung conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which can make breathing difficult. Often, these conditions aren't found until they're quite advanced, and sometimes people even get the wrong diagnosis. Currently, the main way doctors check for these problems is with a breathing test called spirometry. While useful, this test requires you to blow very hard into a machine several times, which can be uncomfortable or difficult for some people. It also needs special equipment and trained staff, which can lead to longer waiting times.

This study aims to find better ways to diagnose lung conditions. Over the past few years, some new types of breathing tests have been developed. These new tests might be simpler, quicker, and perhaps even more comfortable for patients to do. We need to find out if these newer tests can detect lung problems just as well as, or even better than, the traditional spirometry test, especially when the condition is just starting. Finding these conditions earlier could help prevent further lung damage and improve people's health in the long run.

To do this, we'll ask volunteers to do both the new breathing tests and the traditional ones. This will happen in different places, including hospitals and local community clinics. We'll also look at how practical and affordable these new tests are to use in everyday NHS care. We want to understand if they could be used more widely to help more people get an accurate and early diagnosis for lung conditions.

Key takeaways

The study compares new, potentially easier breathing tests with current standard methods.
It aims to find out if new tests can diagnose lung conditions like COPD earlier and more comfortably.
The research will happen in both hospitals and local community clinics.
Taking part involves a single visit for various breathing tests, lasting about 1.5-2 hours.
Findings could lead to better and quicker diagnosis of lung problems for future patients.
You can withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to join this study if you are 18 years old or older and your doctor suspects you might have a lung condition, like COPD, but you haven't been officially diagnosed yet. This includes people who have been asked to have a spirometry test at a local clinic or a full lung function test at a hospital, or if you're having a lung scan as part of a screening programme.

We need you to be able to understand the study information and be happy to give your written consent to take part. You should also be well enough to complete the breathing tests without any problems.

However, you won't be able to join if you've already been diagnosed with COPD. You also can't take part if you've recently had certain surgeries (like on your chest, tummy, or eyes within the last 6 weeks), or if you've had a recent heart attack, a collapsed lung, or serious bleeding from your lungs in the last 6 weeks. If you have an unstable heart condition, certain aneurysms, a chest infection in the last 6 weeks, or any other illness that would make doing breathing tests unsafe, you also wouldn't be able to join.

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 18 years old or older?
Has your doctor suggested you might have a lung condition like COPD (but you haven't been officially diagnosed)?
Have you been referred for a breathing test (like spirometry) or a lung scan?
Are you generally well enough to do some breathing tests?
Have you *not* had major surgery or a serious heart/lung problem in the last 6 weeks?
Are you willing and able to understand the study information and give written permission to take part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will be asked to attend a single study visit. During this visit, you will undergo a series of breathing tests. These will include the standard lung function tests you might have already been referred for, such as spirometry and gas transfer, as well as some of the newer, experimental tests like Capnography and Oscillometry. All these tests are non-invasive, meaning they don't involve needles or breaking the skin. You simply breathe into different machines. We will also ask you to answer some questions about your health and how you feel about the tests.

There are no medications involved in this study, and you won't need any follow-up visits specifically for the research. The total time for the study visit, including all the tests, is expected to be approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may not directly benefit you, but the information we gather could help improve how lung conditions are diagnosed for many other people in the future. The breathing tests are generally safe, but some people might feel a bit breathless, lightheaded, or cough a little during the tests, similar to what you might experience during standard lung function tests. You are free to stop taking part in the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (2)

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Andover, United Kingdom
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Southampton, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is COPD?

COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It's a common lung condition that causes breathing difficulties, usually due to damage to the lungs over many years. It includes conditions like emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

What is spirometry?

Spirometry is a common breathing test where you blow hard into a machine to measure how much air your lungs can hold and how quickly you can blow it out. It helps doctors diagnose lung conditions.

Will I have to take any new medicines?

No, this study does not involve taking any new medicines. It's purely about trying out different breathing tests.

How long will the study visit take?

The study visit, including all the breathing tests, is expected to take about 1.5 to 2 hours of your time.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you can withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without needing to explain why. Your decision won't affect your medical care.

How to find out more

Professor Tom M Wilkinson, MBBS PhD FRCP FERS

t.wilkinson@soton.ac.uk 02381205341 Official trial record

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