Two types of lung scans will be done:
Ventilation scan.
During a ventilation scan, a tracer gas is inhaled into the lungs. Pictures from this scan can show areas of the lungs that are not receiving enough air or that retain too much air.
For the ventilation scan, a mask will be placed over your mouth and nose. You will inhale the tracer gas through the mask by taking a deep breath and then holding it. The camera will start scanning for radiation released by the tracer and then will produce pictures of its distribution in your lungs. You may be asked to breathe the gas in and out through your mouth into a bag for several minutes. You may then be asked to hold your breath for short periods (about 10 seconds. The camera will be moved so your lungs can be viewed from other angles. You need to remain very still during the scans to avoid blurring the pictures.
Afterward, the radioactive gas will clear from your lungs as you breathe. The ventilation scan takes about 30 minutes.