Lung Scan

Ventilation and Perfusion Scan

Why It Is Done

A lung scan is done to:

• Detect a blood clot that is preventing normal blood flow (perfusion) to part of a lung (pulmonary embolism).
• Evaluate the flow of blood (perfusion) or air (ventilation) through the lungs.
• See what parts of the lungs are working and which are damaged. This is often done before lung surgery to remove parts of the lung.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last 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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