Mannitol Challenge Test

What is a Mannitol Challenge Test?

A Mannitol Challenge Test is used to determine if your airways are over-sensitive. It will take approximately 60 minutes. Your doctor has requested you have this test to investigate the respiratory symptoms you may be having.

Preparing for your test

You are required to withhold certain medications for varying times prior to this test. Please carefully read the list of medications to withhold for more information. If medications are not withheld as instructed, the test won’t be performed as results may be inaccurate and we will rebook you for another day.

Starting the day prior to your appointment:

• please avoid all caffeine (i.e., coffee, tea, soft drinks, chocolate).

On the day of the test:

• Withhold from smoking.
• Avoid vigorous exercise within 4 hours of your test.
• Avoid wearing perfume or cologne as some of our patients’ symptoms are triggered by strong smells.

The test

• At the start of the test, you will be asked to blow into a machine called a spirometer that measures the maximum amount of air you are able to breathe in and out. You will wear a nose clip and will be asked to do this several times, both slowly and quickly.
• You will then inhale increasing doses of Mannitol (a naturally occurring sugar) and repeat the breathing test after each dose to measure if your airways narrow.
• At the end of the test, you will be given Ventolin (Salbutamol) to ensure your airways return to their original size and function.

Once the test is completed and the scientist has confirmed your airways are back to their original size, you will be free to go.