Cardiopulmonary exercise test: CPET
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Aims: to accurately measure exercise capacity for clinical use and research |
| What is CPET ? | Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) is non-invasive simultaneous measurement of the cardiovascular and respiratory system during exercise to assess a patient’s exercise capacity. |
| How to refer | Please download + print/email this referral form to ucl-tr.CPXref@nhs.net |
| Why do a CPET ? |
CPET is used for many specific reasons, but in general it can
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| What does it involve ? |
During the CPET test, once consent has been taken and the preliminary tests (Hb, spirometry) are complete, the patient undertakes a 'ramped protocol test' on a cycle ergometer. We attach a 12 lead ECG, blood pressure cuff, saturation probe and a soft rubber face mask with a turbine to measure the expired gases before the test starts. The patient then rests for 3 minutes then begins to cycle. After 3 minutes of unloaded cycling the resistance begins to increase. The patient continues pedalling at 60rpm until they can no longer cycle, unless they have chest pains, feel discomfort or if complications occur. During every test exercise physiologists trained to carry out the CPET are present, in conjunction with a doctor. Reports from the test are written up and sent back to the medical team. Download a brief introduction to CPET by Adam Jackson Here's a great introduction to CPET interpretation from the University of Washington Suggested learning plan for our research fellows |
| When |
The CPET tests are carried out at two sites; University College London Hospital, 1st floor podium in Clinic A- Tuesdays and Thursday afternoons, 1pm – 4.30pm The Whittington Hospital, Archway – 2nd Floor in the Critical Care Unit.
The Royal Free Hospital testing under Dr Dan Martin on Mondays and Fridays |
| Staff | Rob Stephens, Professor Mike Grocott, Hugh Montgomery, Dan Martin, Denny Levett, Kay Mitchell, Al O'Doherty, Phil Hennis, James Otto & Chris Wilkinson (Student 2012-13) Adam Jackson (Student 2011-12) |
| Projects |
Ongoing Studies: Using cardiopulmonary exercise testing as a risk stratification tool for patients undergoing major colorectal surgery, Funded by NIHR Research for Patient Benefit Grant Programme; multi-centre randomised controlled trial; PI Prof Mike Grocott with SOURCE |
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Address
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Anaesthetics Department Podium 3, Maple Link corridor University College Hospital 235 Euston Road London NW1 2BU |
| Links | |
| Collaborators |
Professor Monty Mythen, Dr Ramani Moonesinghe at SOURCE The CPEX team is a multidisciplinary venture started by the Centre for Altitude Space and Extreme Environment Medicine group UCL |
| Contact | Rob Stephens or ucl-tr.CPXref@nhs.net |
