Lung scan reports: interpretation by clinicians.

A questionnaire was sent to 217 consultant physicians in Scotland who were likely to encounter pulmonary embolism (PE) in their daily practice. Replies were received from 194 (89%). Only 34% of physicians understood that a normal lung scan made PE highly unlikely, while 65% considered a low probability scan equivalent to an uncertain diagnosis. This pattern of interpretation of lung scan reports was confirmed by a question on post-test management. After a normal lung scan report, 31% of physicians were uncertain about the diagnosis and this uncertainty increased to 37% for a low probability scan report. This survey has shown misunderstanding by a significant number of physicians of the risk of PE indicated by normal and low probability lung scan reports. It underlines the need for individuals reporting the test to provide informed guidance for clinical staff following ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) imaging. It may point in addition to a need for a more easily understood style of reporting of lung scans.