VQ Scan

A VQ scan is a two-part test that providers most commonly use to diagnose a blood clot in your lungs (pulmonary embolism). It measures the airflow (ventilation) and blood flow (perfusion) in your lungs. You breathe in and are injected with radioactive material while a provider takes pictures of your lungs.

What is a VQ scan?

A VQ scan is a two-part, noninvasive test. It takes pictures of your lungs to measure their airflow and blood flow. Providers usually use it to diagnose a blood clot in your lungs.

The “V” stands for ventilation, or airflow in and out of your lungs. The “Q” stands for quantity of perfusion, or blood flow to the small blood vessels in your lungs. You might also hear it called a ventilation-perfusion scan, a lung scan or lung scintigraphy.