Vq Scan (Lung Ventilation and Perfusion)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 10, 2025.
A VQ scan is a test used to show the air flow and blood flow in your lungs. It is usually done if your provider thinks you have a pulmonary embolism (blood clot). A pulmonary embolism (PE) may be caused by a blood clot that travels from your leg to your lungs. A PE can become life-threatening. A VQ scan may show blood vessel blockages in your lungs. A VQ scan may be done before lung surgery to check how different parts of your lung are working.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Follow up with your healthcare provider as directed:
You may need other tests. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
Call 911 for any of the following:
- You feel lightheaded, short of breath, and have chest pain.
- You cough up blood.
- You suddenly have trouble breathing.
Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions
Eliquis
Eliquis (apixaban) is used to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with ...
Xarelto
Xarelto (rivaroxaban) is a factor Xa inhibitor used to reduce the risk of blood clots and stroke in ...
Pradaxa
Pradaxa (dabigatran) is used to prevent stroke and blood clots in patients with atrial ...
Arixtra
Arixtra is used for deep vein thrombosis, deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis after abdominal surgery ...
Activase
Activase is used for heart attack, ischemic stroke, pulmonary embolism, thrombotic/thromboembolic ...
Heparin Sodium
Heparin Sodium is used for angina, anticoagulation during pregnancy, antiphospholipid syndrome ...
Savaysa
Savaysa (edoxaban) is used for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in nonvalvular atrial ...
Edoxaban
Edoxaban systemic is used for atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, prevention of ...
Urokinase
Urokinase systemic is used for deep vein thrombosis, heart attack, pulmonary embolism ...
Dabigatran
Dabigatran systemic is used for deep vein thrombosis, deep vein thrombosis, prophylaxis, deep vein ...
Contact your healthcare provider if:
You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Drink liquids:
Liquids help get radioactive substances out of your body. Ask your provider how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best.
Do not breastfeed after your scan:
You will need to express your milk and pour it out for as long as directed. You will need to bottle feed your saved breast milk to your baby after your scan. Ask your provider when you can start breastfeeding again.
© Copyright Merative 2025 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.