Lung Scan

What is the purpose of this scan?
The purpose of a lung scan is to look for blood clots in the lungs.

How is a lung scan performed?
You will be asked to lie on a table or sit on a stool for the scan to be performed.

You will breathe through a mask for about 5 minutes, inhaling a small amount of radioactive air, while pictures are taken of your lungs. This allows physicians to see how well air is getting into your lungs.

For the second part of the exam, you will lie on a table and receive an injection, usually in the vein of your arm. This shot contains a small amount of a radioactive material which will travel through the bloodstream to your lungs. Pictures of your lungs are then taken from six different views. Each picture will take about three minutes to perform. It is important to hold very still during the scan. You should plan for your test take about 30 minutes to complete.

How do I prepare for a lung scan?
There are no special preparations necessary for a lung scan.

How will I feel after I have a lung scan?
The radioactive shot will have no effect on how you feel.

How soon will my doctor get the results?
After the procedure is complete, a nuclear medicine physician will study the pictures along with your medical history to make an assessment of what the images show. He will then dictate a report that will be forwarded to your physician within five to seven business days. Sometimes the ordering physician is notified immediately, while the patient waits.

How do I make an appointment?
Your doctor will write an order or prescription for the test. The doctor will either give you the order or have it faxed to the hospital. You may then schedule your appointment by calling the Nuclear Medicine department at 847-723-5050.

If I still have questions, who should I call?
For more information about the procedure, please call the Nuclear Medicine Department at 847-723-5050.