
Ventilation-perfusion scanning
Ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scanning is a diagnostic test that evaluates how well air and blood are flowing through your lungs. It involves two parts: first, a small amount of radioactive gas is inhaled to measure airflow (ventilation), and then a radioactive dye is injected into a vein to assess blood flow (perfusion). A special camera detects the radiation, creating images that show if certain areas of your lungs are receiving enough air and blood. This helps identify issues like blood clots, lung blockages, or problems with lung function.