Deep Vein Thrombosis
(Part 4)
This is the fourth part of our discussion of DVT, Deep Vein Thrombosis
Doctor’s Examination
If your doctor suspects DVT, he or she will order diagnostic tests.
Tests
- Duplex ultrasound. This is the most common test for DVT. Ultrasound uses high- frequency sound waves that echo off the body—much like the technology used to check fetal well-being.
This creates a picture of the blood vessels.
Duplex ultrasound combines traditional ultrasound technology with Doppler technology, which generates a color image showing blood as it flows through the body.
Ultrasound is both noninvasive and painless.
It can be repeated regularly because it does not require radiation.
If you do not have a blood clot, duplex ultrasound may be helpful in revealing other causes for your symptoms.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.
An MRI produces detailed, cross-sectional images of structures inside the body, including blood vessels and veins.
The test is painless and noninvasive. Although used infrequently, some doctors may use an MRI to locate blood clots in the pelvis and thigh.
MRI allows both legs to be viewed at the same time.
However, it cannot be used for patients with certain implanted devices, such as pacemakers.
- Venography
This is rarely used because it is invasive and requires radiation.
In venography, the doctor injects a contrast solution (or dye) into a vein.
The solution mixes with the blood and flows throughout the veins.
An x-ray of the affected leg will then show whether there are any blockages in the veins of the calf and thigh.