What is a lung scan?

A lung perfusion scan is a nuclear medicine test that helps us assess the blood flow to your lungs. A small amount of a radioactive material is used in this test to find out various lung conditions. Most commonly to find a blockage of one of the arteries in the lung caused by a blood clot. This is called a pulmonary embolism.

Lung Scan. Green, blue, purple, red and yellow lungs on a black background

Do I need to have this test?

A doctor will have checked to make sure this is the best test for you. If you have any concerns or would like further information please contact the department where you are having your lung scan. If you do not understand why you need to have this scan please speak to the doctor who referred you.

Is it safe?

The materials (radionuclides) used in nuclear medicine for finding any problems are generally safe. They have short half-life and leave the body naturally like through urine. To do your lung scan we need to inject “radiopharmaceutical”. This means a small amount of radioactivity has been mixed with a medicine which is specific for lungs. The small radiation risk is outweighed by the information that we will get from the scan.

This product contains a protein derived from human albumin. If you have any concerns about this, please contact the team.

How do I prepare for my lung scan?
  1. Eat and drink normally
  2. Wear shirt / top that does not have any metals like a zip or metal buttons
  3. Remove metal objects from neck and chest area
What if I am pregnant or breast-feeding?

If you know that you are pregnant, or there is any chance that you may be pregnant, please contact the department on the following numbers so this can be discussed properly. In urgent cases, it is safe for you to have this scan because the risk to the unborn child is very low. Also let us know if you are breast-feeding. We have special instructions for you:

Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle: 01228 814701
West Cumberland Hospital, Whitehaven: 01946 523456

What will happen?

Your Injection 

A small amount of liquid (radioactive tracer) will be injected into a vein in your arm or hand using a small needle. The ‘pinprick’ of the needle may hurt a bit but that is  all. This is similar to a blood test you might have had in the past. You will be asked to lie flat on a special couch. The scan will start after the injection.

Your Scan

The scan is done using a hybrid scanner called SPECT/CT system. It has 2 camera head detectors and a CT scanner. It is not a fully closed system but the camera heads will be close to you. These detectors have touch sensors so they stop moving when they sense your body. This makes it unlikely that it will touch you.

Hybrid scanner called a SPECT/CT system. A room with a CT scanner and a moving bed next to the bed is a small monitor and phone

We will try our best to make you feel comfortable and relaxed. A technologist will explain the procedure before starting the scan. They will be in the control room at all times. You will not feel anything during the scan and there are no after effects. If you feel any discomfort at any time please let us know.

The scan can take about 15-20 minutes. It is very important that you keep still during the scan. Please speak to us before your appointment if you think you will find this difficult.

After Your Scan 

When your scan is finished the technologist will get you off the scanner. You can continue all your normal activities unless you have been advised not to.

A tiny amount of radioactivity will still be left in your body. This will not be a risk to other people. The radioactivity will break down on its own. For the rest of the day we suggest that you drink plenty of liquids. This will help clear the radioactivity quicker.

Travelling Abroad

It is safe for you to travel abroad after your scan. Many airports and seaports have very sensitive radiation detectors. It is possible that the very small amount of radioactivity left in your body could set off an alarm as you go through security. If you are going to travel abroad within 1 week after your scan take something with you to explain that you have recently had a nuclear medicine scan. This could be your appointment letter or some other official confirmation from the department where you had your scan.

Your Results

A nuclear medicine physician/radiologist will report your lung scan. The report will be sent to the doctor who asked for your scan rather than to your GP. Unless your GP asked for the scan. This is because the doctor who asked for your scan will have all the results from other tests. They will be able to tell you how the result of your lung scan affects your care plan.

Confidentiality

‘The Trust’s vision is to keep your information safe in our hands.’ We promise to use your information fairly and legally, and in-line with local and national policies. You have a right to understand how your information is used and you can request a copy of the information we hold about you at any time.

For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:

Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961

Feedback

We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:

pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818

If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:

complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302