FAQ
How long does the test take?
It depends on the test, but generally one should allow an hour and a half from arrival in the Centre to the end of the test. Some tests, like the Pure Power test, only last 30 seconds but we need a full hour for the preparation and post-test phases.
How quickly will I see results?
We have our own proprietary system for analysing tests which ensures a rapid turn-around of results. For our sports science tests, we can generally give some post-test feedback, usually we can report important measurements such as VO2max immediately following the test. We always complete a full analysis of the results, and these can be sent in whatever format required, normally within 24 hrs.
For clinical and diagnostic tests, the results are sent to the referring physician, whether they are a GP, Consultant Doctor or Anaesthetist. Again, these results are sent within 24 hrs.
How can these tests benefit my physical performance?
The benefits for general health and athletic improvement are the same, they just differ by degrees. For both groups, the tests benefit by providing a sensitive indication of your cardiovascular response to exercise, and an accurate plan of physical responses to differing exercise intensities. Training plans for our weight control patients follow the same principles as those for our athletes, they are just a lot less intense!
How can I prepare for these tests? What do I need to bring?
The vast majority of tests at The Cardiopulmonary Centre involve some form of exercise, so we advise all participants to bring some exercise clothing with them, including suitable shoes for exercise. We have full shower and changing facilities on-site. Cyclists and triathletes may want to perform the cycle ergometer tests in their own cycling shoes on our SRM ergometer. Simply inform us beforehand on the type of pedal cleats you have (Look, SPD, Speedplay etc) and we will have the matching pedal system ready for your test.
I am a GP/physician. How do I refer patients to The Cardiopulmonary Centre?
Simply phone the Centre on 020 7234 2265 and our clinical administrators will make all the necessary arrangements.
Will my private health insurance cover for this test?
It depends on the test undertaken. We have agreements with all the major providers of private health insurance through London Bridge Hospital. As for which tests are covered, please call and we can provide details on insurance coverage.
I am coming to London Bridge Hospital for a separate treatment, but would like to be tested. How do I go about being tested?
All patients who are admitted to London Bridge Hospital are under the care of the hospital, and as such if you desire a particular test to be performed, we will work in conjunction with your physician to verify the safety and validity of the test.
I am trying to lose weight. Why do I need to have these tests done?
Weight management can be a very hit and miss affair, but it does not need to be, given that sustained fat-mass loss is a mere question of balancing calories consumed with calories expended. However, in practice this is much more difficult to do than in theory. Our approach is to first of all establish a baseline - your BMR, this is the minimum amount of calories your body needs to function, without activity. Secondly we can perform certain exercise tests to accurately establish the calorie requirement for those exercises. That covers one side of the balance sheet, the calories burned! We can also provide advice and guidance with the other side of the balance, the calories consumed.
Is there any pain involved?
Several of our tests involve high-intensity exercise, which require you to exercise as hard as you can, but the protocols we use ensure you are only exercising at this level for short durations, so it's not too bad! Generally our maximal tests last about 10 minutes, of which normally around 3 minutes is high intensity.
Some tests involve insertion of an arterial catheter, others require finger blood sampling, should we require this, we will inform you beforehand and give you all the required information.
How much do these tests cost?
This depends on the test. Call us on 020 7234 2265 and we will be able to give you an accurate estimate of the total cost. All of our tests are designed to be affordable. There is considerable advantage to being tested and retested over a time period to note health changes, our prices are calculated to reflect this.
What are the opening hours?
We are open 0800-1800 Monday-Friday. We are closed Christmas and Bank Holidays. If you would like to see us outside of these hours call us on 020 7234 2265 and we will do our best to accommodate these requests.
