Ventilation/perfusion scan

Ventilation/perfusion scan is a medical procedure that uses nuclear medicine to visualize the ventilation and perfusion (blood flow) in the lungs. The test is used to diagnose certain conditions such as pulmonary embolism.

Procedure

The ventilation/perfusion scan is performed in two parts. First, the patient inhales a small amount of radioactive material, which allows the doctor to see how well air is reaching all parts of the lungs. This is the ventilation scan. Then, the patient is injected with a different radioactive material to see how well blood is flowing to all parts of the lungs. This is the perfusion scan.

Uses

The main use of a ventilation/perfusion scan is to detect or rule out a pulmonary embolism. This is a condition where a blood clot has traveled to the lungs, blocking blood flow. The scan can also be used to evaluate lung function before surgery, or to follow up on abnormal findings from other imaging tests.

Risks

As with any medical procedure, there are some risks associated with a ventilation/perfusion scan. These include allergic reactions to the radioactive material, and exposure to a small amount of radiation. However, the benefits of the scan usually outweigh these risks.

Preparation

Before the scan, the patient may be asked to remove any metal objects, such as jewelry, that could interfere with the scan. The patient may also be asked to wear a hospital gown.

Results

The results of a ventilation/perfusion scan are usually available within a few hours. If the scan shows that air and blood are not reaching all parts of the lungs, this could indicate a pulmonary embolism or other lung condition.

See also

• Pulmonary embolism
• Nuclear medicine
• Lung function tests

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