Lung Scan
What is a lung scan?
This
is a test in which a small amount of radioactivity (Tecnetium-99m) is used
to obtain pictures and information of how your lungs function.
These pictures will help your doctor make a diagnosis.
What is involved?
A small injection with a special tracer will be injected into a vein, usually in your arm. The injection is no more painful than a blood test. You will then be taken into the camera room where you will sit in front of the gamma camera. The gamma camera will take a number of images from different positions.
These
images show the blood supply to your lungs. You may also be asked to inhale
a week radioactive gas (Krypton-81m) which will show how air reaches different
parts of the lungs.
You do not normally have to undress but we will ask you to remove any metal objects such as jewellery.
Is the radiation dangerous?
The amount of radiation you receive is small; it is comparable to that of an X-ray examination. The substances we inject are non-toxic and will not make you feel sick or drowsy. However, for radiation safety reasons pregnant women and children should not be brought to the Nuclear Medicine Department.
What about pregnancy?
Please tell us as soon as possible before the injection if you are pregnant or think that you may be pregnant. All female patients between the ages of 10 - 55 years will be asked to complete a form on arrival.
What about breastfeeding?
Radioactive substances can come out in breast milk. Please phone the Nuclear Medicine Department before your test if you are breastfeeding, so that we can advise you if you need to stop feeding for a length of time.
How long will it take?
The total time for the scan is about 10-20 minutes.
Can I bring a friend or relative with me?
A friend or relative can attend with you but they will not be able to accompany you for the injection or scan.
Do I need to do anything after the scan?
You can eat as normal, but you should drink more than usual for the rest of the day to help wash the tracer out of your body.
Can I still look after children and pets?
You do not have to take any special precautions when dealing with small children or pets after this procedure. The radiation from your body is so small that it will not affect anybody near you.
Can I return to work after my scan?
There is usually no problem, but if your work involves radiation please ask Nuclear Medicine staff for advice.
What about my result?
We are unable to tell you the result of the test. The scan is reported by a Radiologist and the result is sent to the doctor who requested the test. However, the staff performing the test are fully qualified and will be happy to answer any other questions you may have.
If you have any further questions after reading this information
please contact:
The Nuclear Medicine Department (01202) 442499
References
This information has been produced by:
Senior Medical Physicist: Dr K Dixon
Date Produced: February 2007
Review Date: February 2008
Responsible Clinician: Dr NK Robson, Consultant Radiologist
