Lung Scan

Nuclear Scan, Lung, Ventilation and Perfusion Scan

How It Feels

You may find that breathing through the mask during the ventilation scan is uncomfortable, especially if you feel very short of breath. But you will be given plenty of oxygen through the mask.

You may feel nothing at all from the needle puncture when the tracer is injected, or you may feel a brief sting or pinch as the needle goes through the skin. Otherwise, a lung scan is usually painless. You may find it difficult to remain still during the scan. Ask for a pillow or blanket to make yourself as comfortable as possible before the scan begins.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: October 24, 2008
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Myo Min Han, MD - Nuclear Medicine
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