Lung Scan
What is the scan for?
The scan shows if there are any clots in the blood vessels in the lungs.
What preparation is required?
No preparation is necessary.
What about the injection?
There are two parts to the scan. Before the injection, you are asked to breathe a radioactive gas through a mask for about 5 minutes. This outlines the breathing tubes in the lungs. Then there is a small injection into a vein in your arm. This outlines the blood vessels in your lungs. There are no side effects and you will not feel tired or dizzy and you can drive a car.
What about the pictures?
After you breathe the gas, a picture of the lungs is taken. This takes about 20 minutes. Then you receive the injection and a further set of pictures are taken, lasting about 20 minutes.Is it painful and are there any side effects?
No. There are no side effects or reaction from the injection. The injection does NOTcontain iodine and is therefore safe in people who are allergic to radiological contrast injections. Although you will be required to keep still during the scan, the procedure itself is completely painless.Can I take my normal medication?
Yes. Take all of your normal medications.
Can I eat and drink on the day of my test?
Yes. There is no need to fast prior to this test. However, drinking plenty of fluid will help the tracer clear from your system quicker.What if I am pregnant?
Please inform the Doctor or the Technologist if there is a chance you are pregnant or are breastfeeding.When do I get the results?
Results will be available the following day after 2pm.
