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A lung V/Q scan compares airflow and blood flow in the lungs, often to check for clots. Learn how it's done, how it compares with CT, and how Medicare applies.
Also called: VQ scan, V/Q scan, lung ventilation perfusion scan, lung scan for clot
Find a clinic for your lung V/Q scan
6 clinics offer bulk billing for nuclear medicine — eligibility varies
Where to get a lung V/Q scan
6 clinics across Melbourne and Victoria on Radly list lung V/Q scan among their services.
Clinics for a lung V/Q scan on Radly
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What is a lung V/Q scan?
A V/Q scan has two parts. The ventilation (V) part shows airflow — you breathe in a small amount of tracer through a mouthpiece. The perfusion (Q) part shows blood flow — a tracer is injected into a vein. Comparing the two shows areas where blood flow is reduced, which can suggest a clot (pulmonary embolism).
You lie under a camera for the pictures, and many clinics add a low-dose CT (SPECT/CT) to help localise findings. A V/Q scan uses a lower radiation dose to the breasts than a CT pulmonary angiogram, so it's often preferred in pregnancy and in younger women.
Why your doctor might request a lung V/Q scan
- Suspected pulmonary embolism (clot in the lungs)
- Follow-up after treatment for a lung clot
- Ongoing breathlessness after a past clot
- Assessing lung function before lung surgery
Lung V/Q scan: preparation, referral & Medicare
Preparing for your lung V/Q scan
- No fasting is needed
- Bring a recent chest X-ray if you have one
- Tell staff if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- If you have sudden chest pain or breathlessness, go to an emergency department rather than booking
How long it takes: About 45–60 minutes
Referral, Medicare & bulk billing
A V/Q scan needs a referral. With a valid referral it attracts a Medicare rebate, and some clinics bulk bill nuclear medicine — it varies by clinic. Urgent suspected clots are usually assessed in hospital. The clinic will confirm billing for your referral. Booking through Radly sends a request, and the clinic confirms the time with you.
How it works
Get your referral
Most scans need a referral from your GP, specialist, or other health practitioner.
Compare clinics
Find clinics near you for your lung V/Q scan and compare bulk billing, reviews, and location.
Send your request
Share your preferred timing and send the clinic your details and referral when available.
Clinic confirms
The clinic reviews your request and confirms your appointment and any preparation needed.
If the clinic hasn’t acknowledged your request after 24 hours, Radly will follow up. We check in by SMS during daytime hours where SMS is available and you haven’t opted out. Reply N if you haven’t been contacted and our team will follow up. Acknowledgment does not mean an appointment is booked.
Lung V/Q scan FAQs
Is a V/Q scan or CT better for a lung clot?
Both are used. CT pulmonary angiography is fast and widely available; a V/Q scan has a lower breast radiation dose and doesn't need iodine contrast, so it suits some patients better.
Is a V/Q scan safe in pregnancy?
It's often the preferred test in pregnancy, with a reduced dose. Always tell the clinic you're pregnant.
How long does a V/Q scan take?
About 45–60 minutes for both parts.
How do I book a lung V/Q scan online?
Choose a clinic on Radly, select Nuclear Medicine as your scan, add your preferred timing and attach your referral, then send your booking request. The clinic contacts you to confirm the appointment and any preparation.
How soon can I get a lung V/Q scan?
Appointments for nuclear medicine are usually within 1–2 weeks, depending on the clinic and the exam. You can send a request on Radly at any time, and the clinic replies with its next available time.
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