QUESTION: I need a bit more information to add to the explanation my physician gave me about a test for my lungs.
It's called a "scan," and I want to know more about it.
Is there any danger? I am more than just a bit anxious about this whole thing.
Can you please help?
ANSWER: A lung scan is a test that shows how well your lungs are functioning and can detect many types of abnormalities in the lungs.
There are two types of lung scans and they are usually performed together.
A perfusion lung scan shows the blood circulation in the lungs.
An inhalation scan shows how well air moves in the lungs. Both tests together take about a half hour and are similar.
A small amount of a mildly radioactive compound is administered and travels to the lungs, emitting signals that are detected by a scanning machine, which converts the signals into images.
For the perfusion test, you'll receive an injection of the radioactive substance.
For the inhalation test, you'll inhale an odorless gas through a mouthpiece.
You may be placed in several positions during the scan, and it is very important that you lie still and follow all instructions fully.
This will help get the best results possible and make interpreting the results a bit easier.
The danger from the radioactive compound is minimal.
You can go home directly after the test and side effects are rare, so you ought to do quite well.
I hope you are less anxious now.
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician.
Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.
