This exam is conducted to diagnose a pulmonary embolism. The exam is conducted in two parts. Pulmonary ventilation and perfusion are evaluated.
30 to 45 minutes
- Take your medication as per usual. There is no specific preparation for the exam.
- Have an updated list of your medications on hand when you make the appointment and when you come in for the exam.
- Inform the care team if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are currently breastfeeding.
Evaluation of pulmonary ventilation
The first part of the exam consists in verifying air circulation in the lungs. The technologist has patients breathe in a slightly radioactive gas, which follows the same trajectory as the air that circulates through the lungs.
The technologist then takes images for approximately 15 minutes while patients lie down on a stretcher with their arms above their heads and as the camera moves around them. The technologist remains in the room throughout the exam.
Evaluation of pulmonary perfusion
The second part of the exam consists in verifying blood circulation in the lungs. A radioactive tracer is injected into an arm vein as a camera takes images. A second series of images is taken, and this lasts approximately 15 minutes. Patients lie down on a stretcher with their arms above their heads and a camera moves around them. The technologist remains in the room throughout the exam.
- You can resume your normal activities after the scan. The exam result is sent to your treating physician.
- If you are planning a trip outside of the country in the weeks following the exam and will have to go through AIR OR GROUND customs, it is important to advise the technologist. The presence of a radioactive tracer in your body may be detected at customs. You will therefore be given a document to confirm that you underwent a nuclear medicine exam.