How do they do a 'Lung VQ Scan'?

Question

I have a transplant evaluation tomorrow and one of the things listed of what they're going to do is a 'Lung VQ Scan'. I have already looked it up and it sounds painful so far...what I want to know is: When they do the 'Lung VQ Scan',how do they go about it? Like is it all liguid or a prob and should I have them dull me up to numb the pain?Plus I want to know how bug the freaking needle is..

Answer 1

It don't take longer than an hour (total time). Its as simple as having a ct test done. The most pain and only pain will be the iv stick (which will be a small gauge needle).

Answer 2

How do you get ready for the test?
Wear loose fitting clothing. Avoid clothing that has metal or other clothing fasteners like buttons or zippers over the chest. You can be given a gown to wear if this is not possible.
You may have a chest x-ray done before the test starts.
What is done during the test?
The nuclear medicine technologist will explain the VQ scan to you before you start. Ask questions if you don’t understand. The technologist will have you/your child remove clothing that has metal or other clothing fasteners like buttons or zippers. You will be given a hospital gown and/or pajama bottoms to wear if this is not possible. You will lie on an imaging table during the VQ scan. It is important to lie still during the VQ scan.

You will start the test by breathing in a radioactive gas mixed with oxygen. A radioisotope has a low level of radioactivity so it can be seen during the scan. While you breathe in the gas, images will be taken to show the air going into the lungs.

Next a liquid radioisotope will be injected into a vein. This is in a liquid form. This will show how blood circulates through the lungs. After this is done, at least 8 images will be taken.

The VQ scan does not hurt. You will feel a prick when the liquid is injected.

How long will the test take?
A VQ scan will take about 1 hour to complete.

Answer 3

A VQ scan is a nuclear medicine exam performed to evaluate the airflow and blood flow in the lungs. The airflow is evaluated by breathing in an oxygen mixture containing a radioactive tracer that a special camera can detect. The blood flow of the lungs is evaluated by an injection of a radioactive tracer, and images are taken afterward (you lay on a table). A radiologist will interpret the exam and your doctor will receive the results. Don't worry, the needle isn't huge and other than the prick of the needle the exam is painless. Good luck!!