ECG and Lung Function Testing

Most patients who need an ECG or spirometry done end up on a two-step pathway: a GP visit to assess and refer, then a separate appointment at a cardiology or respiratory practice for the test, then a follow-up to discuss the result. For routine cardiovascular and respiratory assessment that does not need further input, that pathway adds time and cost without adding clinical value.

We do both tests in-room as part of the consultation. The 12-lead ECG runs in about 10 minutes including electrode placement; the spirometry runs in 15 to 20 minutes including the bronchodilator response test where indicated. Both are interpreted at the same visit by the doctor who saw you. Results that are clearly within normal range close the loop on the day. Results that need cardiology or respiratory input are referred onwards with the actual tracing or trace report attached, which is faster and more useful than referring on suspicion alone.

A 12-lead resting electrocardiogram records the electrical activity of your heart from twelve different viewpoints. The recording itself takes under a minute; total visit time is around 10 minutes including electrode placement and interpretation.

Spirometry measures how much air you can move in and out of your lungs and how fast. It is the standard objective test for diagnosing and monitoring asthma, COPD, and other obstructive or restrictive lung conditions.

ECG and spirometry are commonly required for:

• Driver licence renewal for code C and C1 categories and some PrDP applications
• Pre-employment medicals for roles involving dust, fumes, asbestos, silica, or other respiratory hazards
• Pre-employment medicals for roles involving sustained physical exertion (heavy goods, security, mining, manual labour)
• Ongoing occupational health surveillance under the Mine Health and Safety Act and OHS Act requirements
• Aviation medicals (basic categories)
• Diving fitness assessments

For these scenarios we issue a written report on practice letterhead with the result and the doctor's interpretation, suitable for submission to your employer, occupational health practitioner, or licensing authority. Bring the specific form your employer or licensing body has provided so we can complete it correctly at the visit. For broader occupational medical packages, see our occupational health service page.

• Arrive 10 minutes early to complete the brief health questionnaire
• For spirometry, follow the inhaler-hold and pre-test preparation steps in the spirometry section above
• Bring any forms your employer or licensing body has provided
• Bring a list of any current medication, including inhalers and over-the-counter medicines
• Block 30 minutes for ECG only, 45 minutes for spirometry only, 60 minutes for both
• Wear loose clothing that gives easy access to the chest wall and upper arms
• Cost: rates for both procedures are listed on our fees page, and most medical aid schemes cover both procedure codes when there is a clinical indication.

Three outcomes are possible:

1. Result clearly within normal range. We discuss the finding at the visit, document it on your record, and (where applicable) issue the written report or completed form. No follow-up needed unless symptoms return.
2. Result borderline or indicating a manageable condition. Most cases of mild airway obstruction (early asthma, smoker's airway change), benign rhythm variants, or non-specific ECG changes are managed within the practice with appropriate follow-up. We start treatment where indicated and book a review.
3. Result requires further input. For ECG findings suggestive of significant ischaemic, structural, or rhythm disease, we coordinate cardiology referral via Mediclinic George with the actual tracing attached. For spirometry findings suggestive of severe or atypical lung disease, we coordinate respiratory referral with the trace report attached.

You stay our patient throughout, regardless of where any further investigation happens.