Lung Scan

Ventilation and Perfusion Scan

How It Feels

You may find that breathing through the mask during the ventilation scan is uncomfortable, especially if you feel very short of breath. However, you will be given plenty of oxygen through the mask.

You may feel nothing at all from the needle puncture when the tracer is injected, or you may feel a brief sting or pinch as the needle goes through the skin. Otherwise, a lung scan is usually painless. You may find it difficult to remain still during the scan. Ask for a pillow or blanket to make yourself as comfortable as possible before the scan begins.


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Author: Jan Nissl, RN, BSLast Updated: January 8, 2007
Medical Review: Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kenneth B. Sutherland, CD, BSc, MD, FRCPC - Diagnostic Radiology

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Topic Contents
 Test Overview
 Why It Is Done
 How To Prepare
 How It Is Done
Arrow PointerHow It Feels
 Risks
 Results
 What Affects the Test
 What To Think About
 References
 Credits