How are Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE) diagnosed?
Below you can find a short description of the most common tests performed in order to diagnose a blood clot: an ultrasound examination to detect blood clots in the leg/arm () and a CT scan to detect a blood clot in the lung ().
D-dimer test for Diagnosis
This blood test detects the by-products of a blood clot and helps doctors identify if someone has . It is possible for a D-dimer test to come back positive because it detects blood clot fragments from another injury, such as a cut or scrape. Therefore further tests are needed to fully verify a diagnosis.
Ultrasound for Diagnosis
Most of us know ultrasound from pregnancy examinations but they are often used for other purposes like diagnosing . This procedure is non-invasive - it may be used after a blood test has shown an elevated D-dimer or it may be used on its own for diagnostic purposes.
Watch the short animation below on how the procedure is performed.
CT scan for diagnosis
A Computerised Tomography (CT) scan provides your doctors with a 2-dimensional image of your organs. This exam is performed in large scanners in the hospitals or at radiology centers.
Watch the short animation below on how the procedure is performed.
