Radiology Terms

Perfusion/Ventilation Scan

What is Perfusion Ventilation Scan?

Perfusion/ventilation scan, also known as a VQ scan, is a type of medical imaging test that takes pictures of blood and air flow through the lungs. It is used to detect blood clots in the lungs.

It consists of two scans that can be done together or separately. For the perfusion scan, the patient will receive a radioactive tracer injection, which helps the scanner document the blood flow. For the ventilation scan, the patient breathes safe radioactive gas as the scanner documents air flow through the lungs.