What To Expect Before a Lung Ventilation/Perfusion Scan

Most people don’t need to prepare for a lung ventilation/perfusion (VQ) scan. Your doctor may ask you to wear clothing that has no metal hooks or snaps. These materials can block the scanner’s view. Or, you may be asked to wear a hospital gown for the test.

Tell your doctor whether you’re pregnant or may be pregnant. If possible, you should avoid unnecessary radiation exposure during pregnancy. This is because of the concern that radiation may harm the fetus.

You and your doctor will decide whether the benefits of a VQ scan outweigh the small risk to the fetus, or whether another test might be better.

If you’re breast-feeding, ask your doctor how long you should wait after the test before you breast-feed. The radioisotopes used for VQ scans can be passed to your baby through your breast milk.

You may want to prepare for the scan by pumping and saving milk for 24 to 48 hours in advance. You can bottle-feed your baby in the hours after the VQ scan.