It is important that Met Test participants avoid doing anything that may hinder their performance or artificially alter their results prior to testing. Instructions regarding eating, drinking, taking medications, smoking, and appropriate dress must be strictly followed.

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FOOD, DRINK & CAFFEINE
Consuming caffeine or calories from food or drink will elevate the patients’ metabolic rate, increase CO2 output, and increase the R, possibly invalidating the CPET. Caffeine can also affect airflow by altering airway tone and increase diffusion by increasing blood flow in the lungs. A full stomach can reduce the space in the chest for the lungs to fully expand.

Forceful maneuvers performed during a pulmonary function test may cause nausea or vomiting if the stomach is full. Food, drinks (not including water), and caffeine should be avoided for at least 3 hours prior to a CPET and 5 hours for an RMR. Caution must be taken when performing a CPET on diabetics after a prolonged fast to avoid hypoglycemia. If a patient with diabetes has not recently had food, consider asking the clinic staff to check the patient’s blood glucose. If it is < 80 ml/dL the test should not proceed until it has increased.

 

MEDICATION
Certain medications may alter the functioning of the cardiopulmonary system resulting in reduced or improved performance. The ordering physician will determine whether or not the patient should abstain from taking medications according to the purpose of the test. If a patient is taking an inhaler it should be brought to the test in case of bronchospasm.

SMOKING
Smoking may alter lung function and can reduce exercise capacity. Also, the carbon monoxide from smoking tobacco binds to hemoglobin and reduces the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood. Smoking should be avoided for at least 3 hours prior to testing.

CLOTHING
The patient’s clothing must not restrict full chest or abdominal expansion as this may reduce lung volume. Dresses and one piece outfits may prevent placement of ECG electrodes and BP cuff. Skirts, dresses, and tight clothing can make pedaling difficult. Appropriate shoes should protect the feet and allow for maximum force to be applied to the pedals. High heels, flip flops or similar foot ware should be avoided.
Cycling should not be performed without foot wear.

 

EXERCISE
After exercise, increased catecholamines and body temperature result in an elevated metabolic rate. The resting metabolic rate may remain elevated for several hours post-exercise. Additionally, exercise may tire the patient and influence the patient’s ability to give a maximum effort on the CPET. Patients should not exercise during the 5 hour period before testing.

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Summary of Pre-Test Instructions

• No food or drink, except water, for 3 hours prior to CPET and 5 hours for RMR.

• Water may be consumed as needed. Patients may bring a bottle of water to the test.

• No caffeine for 3 hours prior to CPET and 5 hours for RMR.

• No smoking for 3 hours prior to CPET.

• Medications may be taken as usual, unless directed otherwise by the physician.

• If patients use an inhaler it should be brought to the test.

• Comfortable, non-restrictive clothing and appropriate footwear for cycling should be worn.