Summary of "livingwithph.ca - VQ Lung Scan"

Summary of VQ Lung Scan Video

A Ventilation Perfusion (VQ) Lung Scan is a nuclear medicine test that evaluates both air flow (ventilation) and blood flow (perfusion) in the lungs.
The scan is primarily used to detect blood clots in the lungs, such as pulmonary embolism.
The procedure involves inhaling a slightly radioactive gas and receiving a small intravenous injection of a radioactive substance to visualize lung function.
Images are captured using a gamma camera from multiple angles to assess the distribution of air and blood in the lungs.
The entire scan is painless, typically takes less than one hour, and involves minimal risks mainly related to radiation exposure and possible reactions to the injected material.

The patient lies on their back during the scan.
For ventilation measurement:
- The patient breathes in a special slightly radioactive gas (Xenon or Technetium).
For perfusion measurement:
- A small amount of radioactive material is injected intravenously.
The patient’s bed slides into the scanner.
A gamma camera is positioned above and below the chest.
Multiple images are taken from different angles.
A computer records and analyzes the flow of air and blood in the lungs.