What are Cilia?

Cilia are tiny hair-like projections from cells that line your respiratory tract and are responsible for moving mucus up to the throat, where it can be spat out or
swallowed. Sometimes these cilia do not beat as fast as they should or beat in the wrong direction, which can explain why some people get repeated chest
infections.

Why is my child having this test done?

Your doctor would like to have this test done to help them decide what is wrong with your child. Mainly it is to exclude a condition called Primary Cilia
Dyskinesia.
This is a rare condition, which effects the cilia movement and causes increased chest infections. The doctor would like to see how fast your child’s cilia beat. If
your child is found to have this condition your consultant will discuss with you the implications. This is the only defining test that can be done for this condition.

There is no preparation needed on your part prior to the procedure.

What is Cilia Brushing?

A small soft brush (like a tiny toothbrush) will be brushed inside of your child’s nose to obtain a sample of cilia. The sample will be sent to the laboratory where
it will be looked at under a microscope for the shape, direction and the speed of the cilia beat. The procedure will only take a few minutes to complete. Afterward
you and your child will be able to go home.

Where will this be done?

It will be in the Lung Function Department, Cardiothoracic Centre, Freeman Hospital.

When will I get the results?

The sample may have to be sent to another hospital to be looked at.

You will be contacted as soon as we have the result it can take up to six weeks to be confirmed, however, you are welcome to contact us after a month to see if
we have received it.

This is not a particularly pleasant procedure and it may well make your child’s nose bleed. It may feel quite sore at the time. Unfortunately, it cannot be performed under anaesthetic/sedation as this would affect the speed of the cilia beating.

We hope this information has been helpful to you but is by no means a replacement for talking to either the doctor or nurse. If you would like to discuss any of the above please find below the numbers you will need.

Doctor Spencer’s secretary
0192 2336161 ext 31277 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Doctor McKean and O’Brien secretary
0191 2336161 ext 20807 or 24239 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Ann Kirk, Children’s Respiratory Nurse Specialist on Direct dial 0191 2137243
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm or

Sally Hails, Children’s Respiratory Nurse Specialist Direct dial 0191 2137243
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm