Children's Hospital Boston 300 Longwood Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 355-6000
X
My Child Has:
Pulmonary Blood Flow Scan
What is a lung scan?
A lung scan (or Pulmonary Blood Flow Scan) is a diagnostic procedure that provides images of the blood flow in the lungs.
image of a pulmonary scan
Why would my doctor request a lung scan?
A lung scan can help assess:

  • Pulmonary blood flow in several conditions including: pre- and post-pulmonary angioplasty procedures, pulmonary embolism, and certain congenital abnormalities.
    • How to prepare for a lung scan?
    There is no preparation necessary.
    How is a lung scan performed?
    You will be greeted by one of our technologists who will explain to you/your child what will happen during the examination. A small amount of a radiopharmaceutical called Technetium-99m MAA will be injected into one of you/your child's veins. It is important that you/your child lay completely flat for the injection to ensure proper distribution of the radiopharmaceutical to the lungs. The images will be taken immediately and will take less than five minutes.
    What can be expected during the procedure?
    You/your child may experience some discomfort associated with the insertion of the intravenous needle. The needle used for the procedure is small. Once the radiopharmaceutical is injected, the needle is withdrawn and a gauze bandage with adhesive tape is placed over the site of the injection. The area where the injection was given may be a little sore.

    Although the camera may appear large and intimidating, it does not touch you/your child.

    What happens after the study?
    Once the study is complete, it will be evaluated for quality. If there was too much motion, the study may need to be repeated. If there was no motion, you/your child will be free to leave and resume normal activity.
    How are the results of the study obtained?
    The images will be processed and then the nuclear medicine physician will evaluate and interpret the study and promptly inform you/your child's referring physician of the results.
    How can additional information be obtained?
    For more information about Nuclear Medicine/PET, please contact us at:

    Division of Nuclear Medicine/PET
    Children's Hospital Boston
    300 Longwood Avenue, Pavilion 2
    Boston, MA 02115
    Main Number: 617-355-7010
    Fax Number: 617-730-0623
    Business hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
    How is an appointment scheduled?
    To schedule an appointment please contact your referring physician as their office must schedule it for you. If you currently have an appointment and need to reschedule or are unable to make the appointment, please call us at least 48 hours in advance at 617-355-7010.
    		X
    Programs that treat this condition:
    Division of Nuclear Medicine/PET
    		X
    X The information on this website should not be taken as medical advice,
    which can only be given to you by your personal health care professional.
    X
    X Copyright © Children's Hospital Boston. All rights reserved.