I can answer your #7. NJH may routinely administer a Ventilation Perfusion (V/Q) Scan?
A V/Q scan is a nuclear medicine imaging test that evaluates the circulation of air (ventilation) and blood (perfusion) in the lungs.
Purpose of the Scan:
Evaluate lung function in patients with chronic lung diseases, such as COPD or asthma
Investigate unexplained shortness of breath
Assess lung damage after surgery or trauma
Procedure:
The patient lies on a table and breathes through a mask containing radioactive gas (xenon) for the ventilation scan.
A radioactive tracer (technetium) is injected into the bloodstream for the perfusion scan.
A gamma camera takes pictures of the lungs to show the distribution of the radioactive substances.