Lung Scan

A lung scan takes pictures of the airflow and blood flow to the lungs to evaluate the functioning of the lungs.

A lung scan is also called a ventilation perfusion scan. Ventilation looks at airflow, perfusion looks at blood flow.

Ventilation

Following the instructions given by the technologist, you will inhale a radio-aerosol using a special breathing apparatus. This takes about 5 minutes

Pictures of the lungs are then taken. This takes about 30 minutes and it is very important you lie still while pictures are being taken. Movement can cause blurry pictures and may require a repeat.

Perfusion

Multiple pictures of the lungs are taken after a radioactive tracer is injected intravenously.

As with the ventilation scan, movement should be eliminated or kept to a minimum.