A lung scan, also known as a ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan, is a nuclear medicine test that evaluates airflow and blood flow in the lungs. It is primarily used to detect or rule out a pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lungs). The test involves inhaling a radioactive gas and receiving a small injection of a radioactive tracer, followed by imaging. Lung scans may also help assess lung function before surgery or evaluate conditions like COPD or emphysema. While less commonly used than CT pulmonary angiography, lung scans are preferred in certain cases, especially when minimizing radiation exposure is essential.
