How does vq scan work

The ventilation scan performed using radio-isotope labeled aerosols like technetiumm DTPA delivered to the patient through a non-rebreathing mask, with the patient supine. The micro-aerosol particles are small enough to reach the distal tracheobronchial tree and reflect regional ventilation 1. The patient is then imaged in the upright position in three phases: initial breath, equilibrium and washout. The perfusion lung scan involves injecting Tcm MAA intravenously in the supine position.

The MAA particles are just small enough to get lodged in the pre-capillary arterioles. A high resolution, large field of view gamma camera is used to image the lungs. A normal ventilation scan even distribution of radionuclide throughout the lung fields with multiple, bilateral perfusion defects are the classical findings of pulmonary embolism 1.

The presence of a right-to-left shunt can be assessed by searching for evidence of renal or brain activity. Please Note: You can also scroll through stacks with your mouse wheel or the keyboard arrow keys. Updating… Please wait. Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again. Thank you for updating your details. If you are pregnant, the test can still be carried out after consultation with the nuclear medicine specialist. A reduced dose of radioactive material will be given, so that it will not affect your foetus your unborn baby.

If you are breast-feeding, it is advised that you stop breast-feeding for the 24 hours after the scan. This is so that your baby is not unnecessarily exposed to radiation. During this time, your milk can be expressed, but it need not be discarded. It can be stored in the fridge and can be used to feed your baby 24 hours after the VQ scan.

The VQ scan is carried out by a nuclear medicine technologist. The images taken by the technologist are reviewed by a nuclear medicine specialist doctor who provides a written report to the doctor who referred you for the VQ scan. Most large public and private hospitals and private radiology or nuclear medicine practices have nuclear medicine facilities where VQ scans are carried out.

The time that it takes your doctor to receive a written report on the test you have had will vary, depending on:. Please feel free to ask the private practice, clinic or hospital where you are having your test or procedure when your doctor is likely to have the written report. It is important that you discuss the results with the doctor who referred you, either in person or on the telephone, so that they can explain what the results mean for you. What is an MIBG scan? What are the prerequisites for having a breast ultrasound done?

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It issues no invitation to any person to act or rely upon such opinions, advices or information or any of them and it accepts no responsibility for any of them. The content of this publication is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Some of the tests and procedures included in this publication may not be available at all radiology providers. Each person should rely on their own inquires before making decisions that touch their own interests.

Find information about a clinical radiology procedure or test: Refine search Reset. Your doctor might also ask you to have a VQ scan to test how well your lungs work before or after surgery.

There is a low risk with having a VQ scan. You may get a small bruise on the area of your skin where the injection went in.

In rare cases, you may have an allergic reaction to the tracer. Allergic reactions are treatable. If you are pregnant, or think you could be, talk to your doctor. If your VQ scan is urgent, your doctor and medical team will take extra steps to protect your baby. If you are breastfeeding, tell your doctor. Radiation can pass into your breast milk. Your doctor may suggest you pump before your test so you have enough breast milk for a few days after your test.

Or, you could bottle-feed your baby instead. If you have any questions or concerns about the risks of having a VQ scan, speak to your doctor.