High Altitude Simulation Testing

About High Altitude Simulation Testing

High Altitude Simulation Testing (also known as HAST, or hypoxic altitude simulation testing or a hypoxic challenge test), checks how well your lungs handle less oxygen and if it’s safe for you to travel if you have a lung or heart condition.

Call 484.337.3848 to schedule

Why higher altitudes may impact your breathing

Once airplanes reach a high enough altitude, the cabin air pressure changes. This changes the concentration of oxygen in the air on the plane. Even without flying, going to a location at a higher elevation also causes a similar oxygen change. Both of these scenarios impact people differently:

• Healthy people do not notice a change in oxygen level
• People who need supplemental oxygen for a health condition often have a harder time breathing

If you have a chronic lung condition, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or a heart condition, you may need to pack extra oxygen when you fly or travel to a location at a higher elevation.

How High Altitude Simulation Testing helps

Done before you get on a plane or travel to a higher elevation, HAST checks to see how well your lungs can handle a slightly reduced oxygen concentration. Based on your test results, your doctor can tell you how much supplemental oxygen you’ll need to bring with you to travel safely.

What to expect

HAST is a simple breathing test used to see how your body might respond to lower oxygen levels at higher altitudes. It is safe, short and closely monitored.

How HAST is conducted

1. You will wear a mask to breathe air that has less oxygen than normal in order to mimic what you’d experience on an airplane or in the mountains
2. While you breathe, your respiratory therapist monitors your oxygen levels and heart rate
3. After the breathing test, you’ll get one of two results:
   • You’re okay to travel without extra oxygen
   • You’ll need extra oxygen when you travel

The entire test takes approximately 90 minutes.

What HAST feels like

Most people just notice it feels like breathing slightly thinner air.

Have a chronic lung or heart condition? Plan ahead for easier travel

If you have a chronic respiratory disease, talk to your clinician before flying on an airplane or traveling to a higher elevation. They may recommend High Altitude Simulation Testing.

Schedule HAST at Main Line Health

High Altitude Simulation Training is performed by our respiratory specialists in Bryn Mawr, PA. To book:

1. Get a prescription for HAST from your clinician
2. Call Bryn Mawr Hospital Pulmonary Diagnostic and Wellness Center at 484.337.3848
3. Answer questions about your current oxygen use, symptoms and medications