Lung Perfusion Scan

A Lung Perfusion Scan looks at how blood supply flows through the lungs.  

Preparation

Your child can eat and drink as usual. The scan will take up to 30 minutes to complete.

What to expect

Your child will need Intravenous (IV) access for this procedure. An IV is a needle that is inserted into a vein, in the arm or back of the hand. A small amount of  radioactive medicine will be given through the IV access. 

This medicine will be given while your child is lying on our narrow bed.  This medicine will mix with the blood and allow us to take pictures of the blood supply to your child’s lungs. Your child should not feel any discomfort during the scan and can choose to be distracted (for example, watch a movie). 

Post test

It is important to give your child extra fluids for the rest of the day to keep them hydrated and help the medicines leave the body quicker. 

The scan results are given by a doctor specialized in Nuclear Medicine and not by the technologist doing the test.  A report is sent to your doctor’s office, usually within 2-3 business days. 

Please call the Nuclear Medicine Department at 416-813-6065 if you have any questions about the procedure or if you need to change the appointment.