Thoracic Medicine investigates and treats diseases of the lungs.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","categories":[1],"tags":[867,881,880,879,878,877,876,875,874,873,872,871,870,869,868,866,865,864,863,862,861,860,859,858,857,856,855,375],"class_list":["post-10320","services","type-services","status-publish","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-respiratory-investigations-unit","tag-pleural-aspiration-procedures","tag-bronchoscopies","tag-6-minute-walk-tests","tag-shunt-testing","tag-altitude-simulation-testing","tag-bronchoprovocation-testing","tag-full-lung-volumes","tag-gas-transfer-estimations","tag-spirometry","tag-lung-function-laboratory","tag-breathing","tag-respiratory-problems","tag-thoracic-ward","tag-oxygen-therapy","tag-occupational-lung-disease","tag-interstitial-lung-disease","tag-pleural-effusions","tag-pulmonary-emboli","tag-pleural-diseases","tag-pneumonia","tag-dyspnoea","tag-bronchiectasis","tag-chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease","tag-lung-conditions","tag-lung-disease","tag-thoracic-medicine","tag-asthma"],"acf":{"page_subtitle":"","page_type":"structured","page_sections":["general_details","accessing_this_service","general_content","faq"],"general_details":[{"what_we_do":"
The Respiratory Investigation Unit (RIU) is a Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ) accredited lung function laboratory. RIU offer a range of lung function testing services.<\/p>\n
RIU is located on the first floor of the main acute building at The Prince Charles Hospital. When you arrive at RIU please check-in by visiting the reception. If you are unable to make your appointment please contact RIU on (07) 3139 4744<\/a> or email RIUTPCH@health.qld.gov.au<\/a>.<\/p>\n","conditions_treated":"","our_services":" We provide a range of routine and complex lung function tests. On arrival, you will be asked to fill in a short questionnaire to make sure it is safe for you to have a test. Weight and height will be measured, you will be asked to take off your shoes. You will then be taken to a private room for your test. More information about our tests is provided below. To familiarise yourself with the test you will be having, please read the applicable section below.<\/p>\n These tests are more time intensive and can take up to two hours. If you have been booked for one of these tests you will receive an appointment letter with an information sheet specific to your test. Please carefully read the information provided in the applicable section below. Failure to follow pre-test instructions may result in you test being rescheduled.<\/p>\n Our Respiratory Investigations Unit provides diagnostic services for patients with acute, chronic and rare respiratory problems.\u00a0It has a fully computerised and accredited Lung Function Laboratory, performing respiratory function and exercise testing services including:<\/p>\n If you have received multiple text messages for the same day you may be booked for different tests within RIU or you may be booked for multiple tests in different departments. Different appointments can be recognised by the location provided in the text message.<\/p>\n"},{"question":"I am booked for another appointment before or after my breathing test. Will I be able to do both?","answer":" Yes. Once you arrive and check into the hospital, we will be able to see that you are here.After your tests, if you have a doctor\u2019s appointment the same day, we will give you your chart with the results to take with you to that appointment. If you don\u2019t have another appointment the same day, we will forward the results on to the specialist who requested the tests.<\/p>\n"},{"question":"I am feeling unwell prior to my appointment. Should I attend?","answer":" No. If you have any NEW (within 1-2 weeks) respiratory symptoms such as a new cough or runny nose or have had any surgery or major procedures within one month please call the unit to reschedule your appointment.<\/p>\n"},{"question":"Are breathing tests hard?","answer":" Many of the test we offer require your best effort and can be tiring. The scientist will guide you through your test and coach you to ensure the best, most accurate results are achieved. You will be given time to rest during the test. Any concerns can be raised to the scientist looking after you.<\/p>\n"},{"question":"Are breathing tests safe?","answer":" Most of our tests are considered non-invasive and low risk. Tests that have a higher risk of complications are requested by your doctor because they think the information gained by doing the test is worth the risk. For these tests your doctor will explain the benefits and risks of the test and ask you to sign a consent form. You will be given an opportunity to ask any questions you might have. You can take away your consent for the test to be performed at any time.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n"},{"question":"Should I withhold my medications prior to my test?","answer":" Some of the complex breathing tests require you to withhold medications. If you have received a letter stating you are having one of these tests, please carefully read the information provided and withhold medications as required. If you have not received information about your test, you are likely booked for routine lung function tests. Please read the information under Routine tests \u2013 Lung function tests for further information.<\/p>\n"}],"general_content_4":false,"healthcare_professionals":[{"for_healthcare_professionals":"","research_heading":"Research, education and training","research_education_&_training_information":"","other_content":false}],"include_advertisement":false,"include_related_news_article":true,"add_contact_details":true,"remove_sidebar":false,"building":{"ID":415,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2017-08-02 05:33:39","post_date_gmt":"2017-08-02 05:33:39","post_content":"","post_title":"Main Hospital building","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"main-building","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-07-07 16:23:15","post_modified_gmt":"2025-07-07 06:23:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dev.metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/tpch\/?post_type=location&p=415","menu_order":0,"post_type":"location","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},"location_details":[{"name":"Respiratory Investigation Unit","location":"Level 1, Main Building","phone":"(07) 3139 4744","fax":"(07) 3139 4730","email":"RIUTPCH@health.qld.gov.au","opening_hours":"Monday-Friday 8.00am-4.00pm","visiting_hours":"","additional_details":false}],"refer_a_patient":"Routine Lung function tests<\/h3>\n
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Complex lung function tests<\/h3>\n
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