Access to asthma tests may limit implementation of new guidance

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By Olivia Bowthorpe

GPs may face challenges when following new guidance on asthma diagnosis due to a lack of availability of the recommended tests.

In November, updated guidance included a significant change to the previous diagnostic process for adults and children, recommending the sequential use of a fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) test and measurement of eosinophil cells in the blood, as well as the traditional tests, spirometry and peak expiratory flow (PEF).¹