Lung Scans

A lung scan is a type of nuclear imaging test. It checks how blood and air move through your lungs. 

This type of test is usually used to detect pulmonary embolism. This is a condition where a blood clot blocks blood flow in the lung.

Sometimes, a lung scan is done before surgery to make sure your lungs are working well.

Please let us know if you have a latex allergy or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you are breastfeeding, it is important to pump and store enough breast milk for one to two days before the test. This is because the tracer used during the test is radioactive. It can transfer into your breast milk and is not safe for your baby.

Please arrive 10 minutes before your appointment. Check in with the receptionist when you arrive.

Avoid wearing perfume, cologne or aftershave to your appointment. Some people are allergic to these scents and can have serious reactions.

You will need to remove any jewelry that could affect the scan results. You may need to remove all or most of your clothes. You will be given a cloth or paper covering during the test.

Please bring:

• Photo identification
• BC Services Card (personal health number)
• A book or another way to pass the time during your appointment

Please do not bring your children unless you have someone to care for them while you are having the test.

There are two types of lung scans. They are usually done together and take about an hour in total. Each scan can also be done separately if needed. 

• The ventilation scan comes first and lasts 15 to 30 minutes. 
• The perfusion scan follows and takes around five to 10 minutes. 

If both scans show similar results, your lungs are likely working properly. If there is a difference between the scans, it might mean there is a blood clot in your lung.

During the scans, you might lie on your back while the camera takes pictures of your chest. Or you might sit with the camera placed next to your chest. The camera does not emit radiation.

Most of the tracer will leave your body through your urine or stool within a day. Remember to flush the toilet right after using it, and wash your hands well with soap and water. The amount of radiation in the tracer is very small, so it is safe for others to be around you after the test. Drink plenty of fluids in the 24 hours after the test. This helps flush the tracer out of your body.

The radioactive tracer used in this test can pass into your breast milk. For one to two days after the test, do not breastfeed your baby. Use the breast milk you stored before the test or formula instead. Throw away any breast milk you pump in the first one to two days after the test.

Some people might feel soreness or swelling where they got the injection. Putting a warm, wet compress on the arm can help.

You will get the results of the lung scan within a day.

The Indigenous Wellness Liaison Team is here to support your health journey. Team members offer cultural support and healthcare advocacy. Learn more below or call them at 604-682-2344,62937 or email IWL@providencehealth.bc.ca.

Nuclear Medicine Department

2nd Floor, Providence Wing, St. Paul’s Hospital

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