What is a Lung Scan?
The purpose of a lung scan is to look at the blood supply to your
lungs.
This enables the doctor to see if you have any small blood clots in
your lungs.
When you attend for your appointment we will give you an injection
of a small amount of a radioactive tracer. You will be lying down for
this injection.
The tracer will go to your lungs and will not make you feel any
different; there are no side effects.
We will then take pictures using a special camera which will show
the blood supply to your lungs.
The whole procedure should take no more than 20 minutes.
Occasionally we may need to carry out a scan to look at the air flow
to your lungs. If we need to do this we will let you know.
We would carry out this scan the following day if it was needed.
Why do I need a Lung Scan?
One of the causes of chest pain or breathlessness is the presence of
blood clots in the lungs, called Pulmonary Embolism.
During pregnancy, this condition is more likely to occur although still
very rare.
A lung scan can detect the presence of blood clots.
The result of the lung scan will allow your doctor to give you the
correct treatment.
Does my baby receive a radiation dose from this test?
Your baby will receive a very small dose of radiation from the
radioactive tracer injected into your body. To keep this dose as low
as possible we only inject half the amount of tracer usually given to
adults.
The radiation dose received by your baby is very low – at least ten
times smaller than the radiation dose we all receive each year from
natural background radiation in the UK.
Is there a risk to my baby from this radiation?
There is a small risk to your baby from having this procedure.
However, we always use the smallest amount of radiation possible to
do the test, so the risk to your baby is very low.
It may be more harmful to your baby if you do not have the test and
do not receive appropriate treatment as a result.
Can I do anything to reduce the radiation dose
my baby receives?
Drink plenty of fluids and empty your bladder more frequently than
normal.
It is vital that you understand why the test is being done and that you
feel it is in your baby’s best interests. Please feel free to discuss this
with a member of staff.
Do I need to prepare for the scan?
You will be able to eat and drink as normal on the day of your scan.
There is no need to get undressed for the scan but please remove
any metal items from shirt pockets or any necklaces with large
pendants. There is no need to stop any of your medication prior to
your scan. The injection will not react with any other medications.
Do I need to do anything special after the scan?
After your scan you can eat and drink normally and you will still be
able to drive a car. The radioactivity will disappear naturally from
your body and will be gone within 24 hours.
Please tell us if you are currently breastfeeding another child.
How will I get the results of my scan?
The results will be sent to the hospital consultant who referred you
for the scan.
If you are an in-patient, a report will be generated as soon as
possible after the scan.
Some doctors will write to you with the results of the scan and some
will send you an appointment to come back to the outpatient clinic.
How safe is the injection?
The injection contains a small amount of radioactive tracer which
emits gamma rays (these are similar to X-rays). We use the smallest
dose possible to provide as much information as we can about your
condition.
The radiation dose is very low and is similar to the natural
background radiation we all receive from the environment over a
period of 10 weeks.
The results of your scan will give your doctor useful information
about your condition and will help them to plan your treatment.
The benefits of having the scan far outweigh the small radiation dose
you will receive.
Further guidance has been published by Public Health England
Visit website -
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ionising-radiation-frommedical-
imaging-examinations-safety-advice/exposure-to-ionisingradiation-
from-medical-imaging-safety-advice
Alternatively, use an internet search engine to search for “PHE
medical imaging ionising radiation”.
The injection contains a product called Human Albumin which
comes from screened blood donations. The injection is safe but if
you have any objections to receiving a product of this nature please
let us know.
Additional Information
Directions to X-ray Central
X-ray Central is situated in area 4 which is off the main hospital
corridor and is signposted. Please follow the signs for X-Ray Central
and report to reception on arrival.
Relatives and escorts
If you require support during your appointment you may bring one
accompanying adult with you.
They will not usually be allowed into the examination room. If
you have any additional needs, please let us know prior to your
appointment.
Car Park
Car parking is in the multi-storey car park at the main entrance of
the hospital. Car park charges apply at this hospital. Please bring
change with you if you are planning to park on site. You can pay via
debit/credit card at the multi-storey carpark.
Other facilities available
At the main entrance to the hospital there is a cafe and shops selling
light meals and snacks. There is also a large restaurant for staff and
visitors to use.
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Author Radiology Department
Approved by Radiology Policy Meeting
Date of Publication 24/03/2022
Reference No PL/1003 (v3)
Review Date 01/03/2025
