Learn More: Deep Vein Thrombosis
Diagnosis - How Is DVT Diagnosed?
Half of DVT cases are without symptoms. However, if you experience symptoms of DVT, or if you are concerned about your risk for developing DVT, speak with your healthcare provider.
Your healthcare provider will consider your symptoms, your medical history, and the results from any physical examinations he or she completes to determine an appropriate course of action for you.
No test can definitively diagnose DVT. However, depending on your situation, your healthcare provider may order certain blood tests or x-rays to learn more information about your condition.
Tests That Help to Diagnose DVT
- Contrast venography is a type of x-ray imaging that uses a special dye to help the doctor see veins, including any blockages.
- Duplex ultrasound allows the doctor to analyze blood flow through the veins and locate any blockages using sound waves.
- MRI provides high-resolution pictures of veins and surrounding tissue.
- Impedance plethysmography is a test that measures the difference in blood pressure between legs and arms. A significant difference between the two may indicate a blood clot.
- A D-dimer blood test is used to detect fragments of degraded blood clots in the bloodstream. High levels of D-dimer may indicate a blood clot.
