Most MAF equipped cars can be tested for air flow rate to determine loss of airflow - but its a very broad range and usually requires a technician to service similar models on a frequent bases to get the idea as its not an installed item from the factory.
Otherwise a simple yearly replacement for passenger cars in urban setting is good to go, If the filter is expensive or has multiple filters then a differential test can be carried out.
On larger engines whose cost is usually at least 5 times a whole passenger sedan, you need such tools installed to prevent high service bills.
