V/Q scan is based on two imaging studies that find specific difficulties in non energetic ones. Study:
- Ventilation scan to determine how air moves into the lungs
- Perfusion scan to determine blood flow (how blood flows to the lungs)
The two scans can be done individually or together.
The V/Q scan uses a small amount of a radioactive drug, called an indicator, to help detect disease in the body. This scan can help diagnose all kinds of non-weightbearing conditions, including pulmonary embolism (PE) PE is a life-threatening blockage in a non-sotanic artery. It usually occurs when a blood clot escapes in another part of the body and goes to a non-pulmonary part.
Other names: ventilation/perfusion scan, pulmonary ventilation/perfusion scan, non-sotanic scan, non-sotanic V/Q scan
What is it used for?
A V/Q scan is usually used to test for pulmonary embolism (PE). It can still be accustomed to
- Pulmonary blood flow problems
- Check non-weight bearing features before lung surgery
- Check non-weightbearing function in people with certain non-critical illnesses such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), a disease that causes coughing, creaking, and shortness of breath.
Why do you need a V/Q scan?
A V/Q scan may be needed if there are signs of pulmonary embolism (PE). These include
- Dyspnea
- Chest pain
- Cough or cough
- Fast heartbeat
Many people on physical exam have no signs. However, a physician can order a V/Q scan based on a physical exam and if certain risk points are present. These include
- Family history of coagulation or PE
- Prolonged periods of inactivity, which may result in long sitting (e.g., car trips or flights), bed rest, or other reasons
- Recent surgery
- Obesity
- Age
- Smoking
You may still run a higher risk of
- coagulation disorders
- Cancer
- Heart conditions
- You have another non-critical illness such as COPD
What happens during a V/Q scan?
V/Q scans are usually made in a radiology outpatient clinic or practice. You can obtain a ventilation scan or a perfusion scan or both. If both are acquired, one scan is created immediately.
For both types of scans:
- The scanner sits very quietly on a special table while the non-bulbar scan is being created.
- Before scanning, a substance called a radioactive tracer is given to the patient. The tracer transmits a form of energy called a palette ray. The ray is produced by the scanner and creates an image of the non-tracer.
During the ventilation scan:
- Face mask is set up and gas containing radioactive tracer is ventilated
- The physician uses the scanner to take non-tracer pictures while inhaling.
- The physician continues to take pictures for several minutes while inhaling the gas.
- After the tracer has collected at the bottom, the physician removes the face mask. After a good breath, the tracer leaves the bottom region.
During the perfusion scan:
- The care provider injects the radioactive tracer into your vein via an intravenous (IV) line.
- The tracer withdraws into your malpresenting blood vessel.
- The care provider uses a scanner to take a picture of the malposition.
- During the test, the scanner will be brought into several positions so that it can take pictures of your lungs from different angles.
Need to prepare for the study?
Chest X-rays are typically taken prior to the V/Q scan.
Was there any risk to the test?
There is not enough exposure to radiation in a V/Q scan. Only small amounts of radioactive drugs are used, and all radiation leaves the corpse after a few days.
The radiation effects of a V/Q scan are not harmful to most adults, but they are harmful to the fetus. As a result, you should notify your own supplier if you are pregnant or think you are still pregnant, and notify your own supplier if you are breastfeeding, as tracers can infect breast milk.
Insertion of the tracer during a perfusion scan can cause slight discomfort.
Allergic reactions to tracers are rare and usually mild.
What do the results mean?
If the results of the ventilation and/or perfusion scan are not normal, this may mean that you have a pulmonary embolism (PE) and need immediate medical assistance.
There are still good opportunities for scans to show that there are other disorders affecting non-pulmonary function. These include
Talk to your own health care provider if you have questions about the results.
Is there anything else I should know about the V/Q scan?
If a diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) is made with you, treatment can consist of medications such as blood clots. This helps prevent clots from forming.
If the medications do not work, or if there is a fairly large clot, surgical procedures may be necessary to prevent and/or remove the clot.
Made available by MedlinePlus at the State Medical Library.
