A lung
scan is a nuclear scanning test most commonly used to detect a blood clot preventing normal blood flow to the lung (pulmonary
embolism).
Two types of lung scans are
usually done together:
-
Ventilation
Scan.
During
a ventilation scan, a radioactive material is inhaled into the lungs. Images from this scan can
show areas of the lungs that are not receiving enough air.
-
Perfusion Scan.
During a perfusion scan, a radioactive material is injected into a
vein in the arm. It travels through the bloodstream and into the
lungs. Images from this scan can show areas of the lungs that are
not receiving enough blood.
Ventilation and perfusion
scans can be done separately or together to diagnose certain lung
diseases. If both scans are done, the test is called a V/Q scan.
Both scan take approximately
one hour.
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