Lung Ventilation and Perfusion (Lung V/Q) Scan

Information for our Nuclear Medicine Patients

* Inform your physician if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Overview

This test shows the distribution of lung blood flow.

Indications

Diagnosis of pulmonary embolism

Evaluation of pulmonary perfusion

Lung Ventilation and Perfusion (Lung V/Q) Scan

A Lung study involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and has no side effects.

You will be positioned next to a special detector called a gamma camera. The camera does not produce any radiation. It will be placed close to the part of your body being imaged.

(Lung Perfusion Images)

Patient Preparation

None. A plain film chest radiograph is needed within 24 hours of the lung scan.

Procedure

This is a two-part study, in one part you will breathe a small amount of radioactive gas, and painless images will be obtained for approximately 6-8 minutes. In the other part of the study, a small amount of radioactive material will be injected into a vein in your arm, and painless images will be obtained for approximately 30-45 minutes.

Further Information

Contact Terre Haute Medical Laboratory Nuclear Medicine at 812.238.7542