FeNO Juniors 5-16 Testing Service

At WF GP Federation we provide Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) testing to support the assessment and management of airway inflammation, most commonly in people with suspected asthma or those needing further evaluation of their condition. This service is offered by referral from your GP only as part of your child’s clinical care plan and is aimed at children aged 5-16 years old.

How to Access This Service

You cannot self-refer your child for a FeNO test. If your GP feels that additional respiratory assessment is appropriate based on your child’s symptoms, history or previous tests, they will refer your child to us, and we will arrange the appointment.

Your GP will advise on any preparation required and what to expect on the day of your child’s breathing test.

What FeNO Testing Is

FeNO stands for Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide — a simple, non-invasive test that measures the amount of nitric oxide in your breath. This gas is produced naturally in the lungs and tends to be higher when the airways are inflamed, for example in certain types of asthma where inflammation plays a key role.

The FeNO test is one of several tools’ clinicians use alongside other assessments (clinical history, lung function tests, symptoms) to help diagnose or evaluate respiratory conditions and guide treatment decisions.

How the FeNO Test Is Performed

FeNO testing is straightforward, quick and painless. Your child will be guided through the process by a trained healthcare professional.

To take the test your child will:

• sit comfortably and be asked to take a deep breath in,
• then breathe out steadily into a mouthpiece connected to a FeNO device for several seconds.

The device measures the amount of nitric oxide in your child’s breath, giving an immediate reading. The result helps your GP assess whether airway inflammation may be present and how best to manage your care.

Because this test measures the level of inflammation rather than lung function directly, it does not require needles or invasive procedures and typically takes only a few minutes to complete.