Please read this leaflet carefully before your appointment.
What is a lung scan?
Your doctor would like you to have a lung scan to look at the blood supply to your lungs. This investigation can indicate if you have a clot on your lung (pulmonary embolism) which would need treatment.
What does the test involve?
The procedure involves a small injection followed by imaging. We will take pictures of your lungs from several angles using a scanner called a gamma camera. The imaging process takes approximately ten minutes, during which we will see where your lungs have a good blood supply.
Radiation and Safety for You and Your Baby
The test involves a small, very safe amount of radiation. For context, the radiation dose you receive is equivalent to spending 5 weeks in Cornwall (where natural background radiation is higher). Most importantly, the dose your baby receives is extremely low—equivalent to spending less than 5 days in Cornwall.
Important Instructions
Please attend your appointment on your own if possible. If you have any questions during your visit, the technologist performing your scan will be happy to help.