Ventilation-perfusion scan

A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an imaging test that assesses how well air (ventilation) and blood (perfusion) are flowing through your lungs. It involves two steps: first, inhaling a safe radioactive gas or aerosol to see how air reaches different lung areas; second, injecting a small amount of radioactive material into the bloodstream to image blood flow. Comparing these images helps detect issues like blood clots or blockages that affect the lungs' ability to oxygenate the blood properly, guiding diagnosis and treatment plans.