Lung Scan

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.