Lung Scans
Understanding Lung Scans
A lung scan uses nuclear imaging to evaluate how well air and blood flow through your lungs. The exam consists of two parts: a ventilation test where you breathe in a small amount of radioactive aerosol for five minutes, after which, images are captured to visualize this process, and a perfusion scan where radioactive material is injected into a vein to assess blood supply throughout the lungs. Images are taken from multiple angles during both portions of the scan.
The complete procedure takes approximately 60 minutes. A lung scan is used to help your physician diagnose conditions affecting lung function such as pulmonary embolism and pulmonary hypertension.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A lung ventilation scan will be performed to scan the airflow through your lungs. In this procedure, you will breathe in a small amount of radioactive aerosol for five minutes. Images will be taken of your chest from various angles during this time.
A second set of pictures will be taken after a small amount of radioactive material is injected into an arm vein. These pictures will be taken at multiple angles to evaluate areas in the lung where blood supply is weak.
The complete exam takes approximately 60 minutes. This includes both the ventilation and perfusion portions of the test.
A ventilation test evaluates airflow through your lungs by having you breathe in a radioactive aerosol. A perfusion test assesses blood flow by injecting radioactive material into a vein. Together, these tests provide a complete picture of lung function.
The ventilation portion simply involves breathing normally through a mouthpiece. You may feel a slight pinch from the injection during the perfusion test, but the imaging itself is painless and non-invasive.
Yes, you can return to your normal activities immediately after the exam. The radioactive material will leave your body naturally within a short time.