Why do I need this scan?
Your doctor would like you to come here for a Lung scan, sometimes called a V/Q scan, to look for any blood clots in your lungs, called pulmonary embolism or PE.
Presently, this is the diagnostic test with the lowest radiation dose.
You can opt not to have this test but we strongly recommend that you should discuss this with your doctor first.
Preparation for your scan
There is no special preparation for your scan, however you should drink plenty before and after your scan. If you are taking any medication you should continue as normal.
How is the scan performed?
The scan generally takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour but can take longer depending on the individual.
All the images are taken with our special camera, called a gamma camera. Normally there is no need to undress. We may ask you to remove jewellery, keys or other metallic objects from your
person / pockets.
At the start of the test with you sitting with your back to the gamma camera you will then be asked to breathe in a small amount of radioactive material in the form of an odourless, fine mist. This allows us to image where the air is getting to in your lungs (the ventilation scan). After about 10 minutes the ventilation scan will be performed while you are lying down, this may take about 20 minutes.
Then while you are lying down, we will give you a small injection of a radioactive substance into a vein, usually in your arm. This injection circulates around your body and shows the small blood vessels in your lungs. This allows us to image the blood supply to your lungs (the perfusion scan).
It is unlikely you will suffer any side effects from the injection; it does not make you sleepy or prevent you from driving a car. The perfusion scan may take about 10 minutes.
Having the scan does not hurt but it is important that you keep still. If you are in pain please tell us and we will try to make you as comfortable as possible.
Risks & Limitations
We perform this test for possible pulmonary embolism on all patients under the age of 35 and on individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding due to the relatively low radiation dose to the patient and foetus. However, it is still important for you to let us know before the test if you think you may be pregnant or if you are breastfeeding.
If you have a heart condition or respiratory problems you must tell us before the test.
You will receive a small radiation dose of about 1.4 mSv for this test. To put this into perspective, the average radiation dose received from natural background radiation in the UK is just under 3 mSv in one year.
You might get a bruise around the injection site.
After the scan
After the scan, you can eat as normal and should continue to drink plenty of fluids for the rest of the day. This will help to flush the radioactivity out of your body which should disappear completely within 24 hours.
Please avoid prolonged close contact with children or pregnant individuals for the rest of the day. This is to avoid exposing babies and children to unnecessary radiation.
What happens to the results?
A report will be sent to the hospital consultant who asked us to do the test usually the next working day.
Departmental staff are not allowed to give patients the result of any tests directly.
Can I bring a friend or relative?
Yes, but they will be asked to remain in the waiting room whilst you are being scanned.
Only essential carer may remain with you. You must let us know before your test date if you require a carer present.
Please, do not bring children or pregnant adults with you as there may be other patients in the department who might expose them to a small but unnecessary amount of radiation.
What if I cannot attend for my appointment?
If you have any questions about your examination or cannot make the appointment, please telephone the help line on 0161 206 4861.
This is a 24-hour answer phone, but it is usually manned Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.
If you prefer, or are not able to telephone please contact us via email at radio.isotopes@nca.nhs.uk
Please include your name, address, date of birth and hospital number (if known) on all correspondence.
Please help us to cut our waiting lists. If you need to cancel or change your appointment, call us as soon as you can so that we can use it for another patient.
I need an ambulance, how do I arrange this?
If you need an ambulance contact,
0161 206 7014 – Salford residents
0800 032 3240 – other areas
Please inform the Nuclear Medicine department if you are arriving by ambulance.
Interpreters
If you need a translator for your examination, please contact the Nuclear Medicine department.
Other sources of information
For further information regarding nuclear medicine examinations, visit the British Nuclear Medicine website:
http://www.bnms.org.uk/page/PatientsCarers
If you still have concerns or require further information about this test, please contact us at:
Nuclear Medicine Department
Salford Royal Hospital
Stott Lane
Salford M6 8HD
Telephone: 0161 206 4861
Date of Review: February 2025
Date of Next Review: February 2027
Ref No: PI_DP_1702 (Salford)