DVT Diagnosis in Seattle

DVT Diagnosis in Seattle

Deep Vein Thrombosis is a blood clot in the leg. There are several methods used to diagnose Deep Vein Thrombosis. First, you will have a physical exam to check for areas of swelling, tenderness and skin discoloration. You are also asked about your medical history to determine your overall health, any prescription medicines you are taking, any surgeries or injuries you’ve had and if you have been treated for cancer. We also check your blood pressure and your heart and lungs. Next, one or more of the following tests may be ordered to confirm the exact nature of the problem.

Ultrasound

This is the most common method for diagnosing DVT. An ultrasound wand is placed over the area suspected of having the clot. The wand sends sound waves into the area, through your tissues. The sound waves reflect back and are transformed into a picture that can be seen and measured. Several ultrasounds may be performed to determine if a clot is growing.

Blood Test

Most patients suffering from DVT will have an elevated blood level of a substance called D Dimer. D Dimer is a small protein fragment that is in your blood once a blood clot has been degraded or dissolved. A blood test can determine if there is any D Dimer present in your blood.

Venography

Occasionally this test will be ordered. It isn’t a common test for DVT because a non-invasive ultrasound may be enough for a diagnosis. But if not, this test requires that dye is injected into your foot to travel throughout your vein system in your legs and feet. This shows any clots that may be present on an x-ray.

CT or MRI Scans

These scans will provide a visual image of your veins and any clots that may be present. Clots are sometimes discovered when a patient is having one of these scans for another issue.

If you have any of these symptoms: leg pain, leg swelling, skin that is warm to the touch, patchy, discolored areas on your legs or swollen visible leg veins, call our offices today at (206) 596-3976 and schedule a DVT exam.

DVT Diagnosis
Pelvic/Labial Varicose Veins
Cardiac Event Risk Stratification
Painless In-Office Venous Surgery
Stroke Risk Assessment
Pre-Podiatry Surgery Screening
Spider Vein Surgery
Varicose Vein Surgery
Vascular Diagnosis and Treatment

DVT Diagnosis in Seattle

Deep Vein Thrombosis is a blood clot in the leg. There are several methods used to diagnose Deep Vein Thrombosis. First, you will have a physical exam to check for areas of swelling, tenderness and skin discoloration. You are also asked about your medical history to determine your overall health, any prescription medicines you are taking, any surgeries or injuries you’ve had and if you have been treated for cancer. We also check your blood pressure and your heart and lungs. Next, one or more of the following tests may be ordered to confirm the exact nature of the problem.

Ultrasound

This is the most common method for diagnosing DVT. An ultrasound wand is placed over the area suspected of having the clot. The wand sends sound waves into the area, through your tissues. The sound waves reflect back and are transformed into a picture that can be seen and measured. Several ultrasounds may be performed to determine if a clot is growing.

Blood Test

Most patients suffering from DVT will have an elevated blood level of a substance called D Dimer. D Dimer is a small protein fragment that is in your blood once a blood clot has been degraded or dissolved. A blood test can determine if there is any D Dimer present in your blood.

Venography

Occasionally this test will be ordered. It isn’t a common test for DVT because a non-invasive ultrasound may be enough for a diagnosis. But if not, this test requires that dye is injected into your foot to travel throughout your vein system in your legs and feet. This shows any clots that may be present on an x-ray.

CT or MRI Scans

These scans will provide a visual image of your veins and any clots that may be present. Clots are sometimes discovered when a patient is having one of these scans for another issue.

If you have any of these symptoms: leg pain, leg swelling, skin that is warm to the touch, patchy, discolored areas on your legs or swollen visible leg veins, call our offices today at (206) 596-3976 and schedule a DVT exam.