Why is this procedure done?
A ventilation perfusion scan is also called a V/Q scan. It is a nuclear test that checks the flow of air and blood in the lungs. The test uses a radioactive material called a tracer. It helps to look for breathing and blood flow abnormalities. The V/Q scan is done to: ‚
- Measure flow of breathing in the lungs. This is ventilation.
- Measure blood flow in the lungs. This is perfusion.
- Look for blood clots in the lungs.
- Find the cause of breathing problems like a low oxygen level or shortness of breath.
The test is done in two different parts. The blood flow to your lungs is checked using a tracer injected through an I.V. into your blood vessel. Your breathing is checked as you breathe in a tracer gas through a mask. ‚
What will the results be?
The doctor will see how well air and blood flows in your lungs. Blood clots and other lung problems may be found. Your doctor will talk to you about your test results. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
This test may be done in an emergency. Then, no special preparations are needed. ‚
Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about: ‚
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure
- If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant
- If you are breastfeeding. You may want to save breast milk for your baby 24 to 48 hours before the test. You cannot breastfeed for a certain amount of time after the test due to the drugs given to you.
Your doctor will do an exam and may order: ‚
What happens during the procedure?
- To look at the blood flow in your lungs, you will lie on an exam table. The doctor will inject a tracer into your blood vessel.
- To look at your breathing, you will lie or sit on an exam table. Your doctor will put a mask on your face so you can breathe the tracer gas in. Your doctor may ask you to hold your breath for 15 seconds. Then, your doctor may ask you to breathe in and out for a few minutes. This will help the air with the tracer gas to spread inside your lungs.
- The doctor will take pictures from above and below your chest. The table may move. You may be asked to move into different positions or to hold very still for a short time.
- It is important that you stay still during the test. Your doctor will tell you when you can move again. If you have trouble staying still, your doctor will give you drugs to help you relax.
- The machine will take pictures of the tracer in your body. The doctor will be able to see them on a monitor. This will let your doctor see blood flow through your lungs.
- The test takes 30 to 60 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
- You can go home right after your test based on the results.
- The doctor will talk to you about the results a few days after.
What care is needed at home?
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of fluids each day. This will help flush the tracer out of your body. The tracer will pass out in your urine.
- You can go back to your normal activities and diet after the test.
- If you are breastfeeding, it is OK for you to hold your baby. Talk to your doctor about when you may go back to breastfeeding.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- The results will help your doctor understand what kind of health problem you have. Together you can make a plan for more care.
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding or infection from I.V. site
- Allergy to the tracer
- Breathing problems
Where can I learn more?
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/lvq/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚