Methacholine Challenge Test

Appointment Date and Time________________________________________________

Methacholine Challenge Testing is a type of test to measure if your lung function changes after you breathe in a specific chemical, Methacholine. A challenge study is done to diagnose asthma. You will be asked to blow into a spirometer which will measure how much air you can get in and out of your lungs. This test will be repeated following increasing doses of Methacholine. A Respiratory Therapist will monitor changes, if any, in your lung function. Please allow 60-90 minutes for testing.

Location:

Una Vie Cardiology Center, 2451 Inteliplex Drive, Shelbyville IN. From Highway 9, turn onto Intelliplex Drive (across the highway from Ashford Place Healthcare Campus). Follow the Intelliplex Drive to the last building on the left, the Intelliplex Medical Arts Building. Enter the building through the revolving glass door. Testing is done on the first floor Suite 120

Before Your Test:

A healthcare provider will call you a few days prior to testing to complete a pre-test questionnaire which will only take a few minutes.

Follow any instructions you are given to prepare for your test, otherwise,  your test may need to be rescheduled.

*  Do not eat or drink any caffeine containing products such as coffee, tea, cola drinks, energy drinks, or chocolate on the day of the test. The caffeine in these products can act as a weak bronchodilator and result in inaccurate test results.

* Do not exercise for at least 6 hours before the test.

* Do not smoke for at least 6 hours before the test.

* Please tell your health care provider if you have had a cold or upper respiratory infection 6 weeks prior to your test. These can also affect the test results and your test may need to be rescheduled.

Please Hold the Following Breathing Medications:

Quick Acting Bronchodilators                                           8 hours

 (Proventil, Ventolin, ProAir, Xopenex, Maxair)

Long-acting Bronchodilators                                          48 hours

(Fordil, Serevent, Spiriva)

Combination Products                                                     48 hours

(Symbicort, Advair)

Antihistamines                                                                  Day of Test

(Zyrtec, Claritin)

Cromolyn Sodium                                                               8 hours

(Intal)

Nedocromil                                                                        48 hours

(Tilade)

Leukotriene Modifiers                                                      24 hours

(Singulair, Accolate)

Ipratropium Bromide                                                       24 hours

(Atrovent, Combivent)

Theophylline                                                                     12 hours short-acting; 24 hours long-acting

(Theo-Dur, Theo-24 etc...)

During Your Test

The healthcare provider will coach you during the test. You will wear nose clips during the test so you will only breathe through your mouth. Depending on how your lungs react to the Methacholine, the test can take 60-90 minutes. You may experience symptoms such as chest tightness or shortness of breath. If this happens, you will be given a bronchodilator to reverse those symptoms.

Following your test, you may return to your normal routine. If you are asked to hold any medication prior to testing, ask if you may take your medications.