Lung Scan: Why It Is Done
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Why It Is Done
A lung scan is done to:
- Find a blood clot that is preventing normal blood flow (perfusion) to part of a lung (pulmonary embolism).
- Evaluate the flow of blood (perfusion) or air (ventilation) through the lungs.
- See which parts of the lungs are working and which are damaged. This is often done before lung surgery to remove parts of the lung.
| 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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