Occupational Lung Function Testing: Supporting GPs and Workplace Health
Advanced Lung Testing for Occupational Health in South East Queensland
Many industries expose workers to dust, fumes, and chemicals that put their respiratory health at risk. Occupational health is a core part of general practice in South East Queensland, and pre-employment medicals are often the first point at which lung function is assessed. While spirometry is useful for initial screening, on its own it doesn’t always provide a complete picture.
At North Brisbane Sleep & Thoracic (NBST), we provide advanced lung function testing in North Lakes and Clayfield to support GPs in both pre-employment assessments and ongoing workplace surveillance. Our role is to deliver accurate, specialist-interpreted results efficiently, so you can give patients and workplaces clear answers quickly.
Get a Complete Picture of Lung Health: Beyond Spirometry
When managing occupational health, accuracy matters. Spirometry can show obstruction but cannot always explain the reasons behind it. Comprehensive respiratory testing provides the extra detail GPs need for confident decision-making in both pre-employment checks and clinical assessments:
- Static Lung Volumes – confirming restrictive disease and distinguishing obstructive from restrictive patterns.
- Diffusing Capacity (DLCO) – identifying early interstitial disease and emphysema before spirometry changes appear.
- Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) – detecting airway inflammation, valuable for occupational asthma and monitoring treatment response.
- Bronchoscopy – enabling direct airway examination when structural or diagnostic clarification is required.
Together, these tests give a full picture of respiratory health, supporting earlier diagnosis, safer pre-employment decision-making, and better workplace outcomes.
Occupational Risks in Brisbane Workplaces
Across Brisbane, many occupations carry respiratory risks. Construction and demolition workers may inhale silica or cement dust. Mining and quarry staff remain at risk of coal workers’ pneumoconiosis and silicosis. Manufacturing and welding environments bring exposure to industrial gases and metal fumes. Agricultural workers contend with organic dust, mould, and pesticides, while even healthcare and laboratory staff can develop airway irritation from sterilising agents and cleaning chemicals.
For patients in these roles particularly those undergoing pre-employment medicals, advanced testing provides certainty where spirometry cannot, helping prevent disease progression and ensuring workers are fit for duty before entering high-risk environments.
Partnering With GPs Across Brisbane
Patients can be seen close to home or work at our North Lakes and Clayfield clinics, and every study is performed by respiratory scientists and interpreted by respiratory physicians for both technical accuracy and clinical relevance.
We work collaboratively with GPs so results integrate seamlessly into patient management and workplace requirements, whether you’re arranging pre-employment medicals, ongoing surveillance, or symptom-based referrals.
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Fax: 07 3036 6094
Email: reception@nbst.com.au