Lung Scan: What Affects The Test
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What Affects the Test
Factors that can interfere with your test and the accuracy of the results include:
- Pregnancy. A lung scan is not usually done during pregnancy because the radiation could damage the developing baby (fetus).
- Barium and bismuth. If a lung scan is needed, it should be done before any tests that use barium (such as a barium enema).
- The inability to remain still during the test.
- The inability to breathe through the mask or tube.
- Medical conditions, such as pulmonary edema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), that involve the lungs or heart.
| Last updated: | October 24, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Myo Min Han, MD - Nuclear Medicine |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
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