18th Judicial Circuit Court-Message from the Chief Judge. The judges and support staff of the Circuit Court of the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit of the State of Illinois are committed to serving the public by providing a fair and efficient system of justice that fosters the public trust and confidence.
Everyone at risk for COPD who has cough, sputum production, or shortness of breath, should be tested for the disease. The test for COPD is called spirometry. Spirometry can detect COPD before symptoms become severe. It is a simple, non-invasive breathing test that measures the amount of air a person can blow out of the lungs (volume) and how fast he or she can blow it out (flow).
What you can expect. A spirometry test requires you to breathe into a tube attached to a machine called a spirometer. Before you do the test, a nurse, a technician or your doctor will give you specific instructions. Listen carefully and ask questions if something is not clear. Doing the test correctly is necessary for accurate and meaningful results. In general, you can expect the following during a spirometry test: 1  You'll likely be seated during the test. 2  A clip will be placed on your nose to keep your nostrils closed.  You will take a deep breath and breathe out as hard as you can for several seconds into the tube.