VQ Lung Scan

What is a VQ Lung Scan?

Your doctor has suggested you/your child have a VQ lung scan as part of the evaluation at National Jewish. A VQ scan is a test that shows how the air goes into the lungs. It also shows how blood circulates through the lungs. Your doctor will use this information to determine the best treatment for you.

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 to wear if this is not possible.

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. After you breathe in the gas, images will be taken to show the air going into the lungs. You will lie on an imaging table during the images. It is important to lie still.

Next a liquid radioisotope will be injected into a vein while you continue to lie on the table. This will show how blood circulates through the lungs. After this is done, more 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.

How do you get to your test?

If you are being seen at National Jewish Health, your appointment is in the Institute for Advanced Biomedical Imaging (Radiology). You will be directed where to go when you check-in. If you have any questions you can contact Advanced Biomedical Imaging (Radiology) at 303-398-1611.