Ventilation/perfusion scan
Key points
- A pulmonary ventilation/perfusion scan is a pair of nuclear scan tests that use inhaled and injected radioactive material (radioisotopes) to measure breathing (ventilation) and circulation (perfusion) in all areas of the lungs.
- A pulmonary ventilation/perfusion scan is actually two tests that may be performed separately or together.
- No special diet, medications, or fasting are necessary before the test.
- The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust.
Alternative names
V/Q scan; Pulmonary ventilation/perfusion scan; Lung ventilation/perfusion scan
Definition
A pulmonary ventilation/perfusion scan is a pair of nuclear scan tests that use inhaled and injected radioactive material (radioisotopes) to measure breathing (ventilation) and circulation (perfusion) in all areas of the lungs.
How the test is performed
A pulmonary ventilation/perfusion scan is actually two tests that may be performed separately or together.
The perfusion scan is performed by injecting radioactive albumin into a vein. The patient is immediately placed on a movable table that is positioned under the arm of a scanner. The lungs are scanned to detect the location of the radioactive particles as blood flows through the lungs.
The ventilation scan is performed by scanning the lungs while having the person inhale radioactive gas. A mask is placed over the nose and mouth, and the patient is asked to breathe the gas while sitting or lying on the table beneath the arm of the scanner.
How to prepare for the test
No special diet, medications, or fasting are necessary before the test.
A chest X-ray is usually performed prior to or following a ventilation and perfusion scan.
The patient usually signs a consent form and is asked to wear a hospital gown or comfortable clothing without metal fasteners.
Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:
- infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
- Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
- Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
- School age test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
- Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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