Lung Scans

Understanding Lung Scans

A lung scan uses nuclear imaging to evaluate how well air and blood flow through your lungs. The exam consists of two parts: a ventilation test where you breathe in a small amount of radioactive aerosol for five minutes while images are captured, and a perfusion test where radioactive material is injected into a vein to assess blood supply throughout the lungs. Images are taken from multiple angles during both portions of the exam. The complete procedure takes approximately 60 minutes and helps your physician diagnose conditions affecting lung function and circulation.

Patient Testimonials

IITC staff

“All services provided by Inland Imaging were truly respectful and professional.”

Camille

“She was extremely warm and kind. I was very nervous and she walked me through the whole process.”

Megan N.

“I wanted to let you know that our Front Desk team cannot say enough great things about Megan in scheduling.”

Joe S.

“The tech was great. He knew I was anxious and took his time explaining, gave me options and time to acclimate.”

VP staff

“The staff were all very friendly and helpful. I live in Idaho, and I come in purposely to use your facility for any imaging needs.””

Amy K.

“Calling for my appointment was a real blessing that I got Amy who went beyond in what was expected to get me in appointments quickly…”

Amy

“She even provided me with deodorant wipes when I forget to bring deodorant with me to apply after the exam.”

Laura, Sheen

“Laura is so suited to her work… Sheena was downright funny, cheerful. Both perfect.”

Ellie

“Especially kind was the young lady who scheduled the appointment.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I expect?

A lung ventilation test will be performed to test the airflow through your lungs. In this procedure, you will breathe in a small amount of radioactive aerosol for five minutes. Images will be taken of your chest from various angles during this time.

A second set of pictures will be taken after a small amount of radioactive material is injected into an arm vein. These pictures will be taken at multiple angles to evaluate areas in the lung where blood supply is weak.

How long does a lung scan take?

The complete exam takes approximately 60 minutes. This includes both the ventilation and perfusion portions of the test.

What is the difference between a ventilation and perfusion lung scan?

A ventilation test evaluates airflow through your lungs by having you breathe in a radioactive aerosol. A perfusion test assesses blood flow by injecting radioactive material into a vein. Together, these tests provide a complete picture of lung function.

Will I feel anything during the lung scan?

The ventilation portion simply involves breathing normally through a mouthpiece. You may feel a slight pinch from the injection during the perfusion test, but the imaging itself is painless and non-invasive.

Can I resume normal activities after my lung scan?

Yes, you can return to your normal activities immediately after the exam. The radioactive material will leave your body naturally within a short time.