Lung Scans

Programs that conduct x-ray scans of the lungs as a means of detecting abnormalities. Included are perfusion scans and lung ventilation scans. Perfusion scans involve the injection of a radioactive substance, usually albumin, into a vein as a means of detecting pulmonary embolisms, evaluating pulmonary function in cases of emphysema and other lung obstructions, locating and following growths after treatment and discerning areas of infection and lung collapse. Lung ventilation scans involve x-rays of the lungs following inhalation by the patient of radioactive xenon which highlights areas of the lungs that do not receive air and can be used to detect bronchial abnormalities.