How to Test for Thrombosis
Thrombosis occurs when a clot, or thrombus, forms inside a blood vessel. The thrombosis obstructs blood flow in an individual's circulatory system. Thrombosis can be caused by the composition of the blood, an injury to the blood vessel wall or stagnate blood flow. There are two major groups of thrombosis--venous (in the veins) and arterial (in the arteries). Each classification has its own set of thrombosis disorders. Getting a test for thrombosis is an important first step to combating this condition.
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Instructions
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Test for Thrombosis
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Obtain an initial clinical exam from a physician to confirm suspicion of thrombosis and to get a referral to a vascular specialist.
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Identify potential risk factors associated with thrombosis. Such risk factors include being over the age of 40, being a smoker, engaging in little to no exercise and being a woman in the later phases of pregnancy.
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Order an ultrasound scan of the affected area. These scans are virtually painless and highly accurate.
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Get a blood test for measure "D-dimer." A negative result means a thrombosis clot is not likely to be present.
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Although rarely ordered, consider a phlebogram or venogram for further testing. In either case, dye is injected into a vein and an x-ray is taken.
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Tips & Warnings
One of the most common types of thrombosis is deep vein thrombosis, a clot that forms in a deep vein in the thigh or calf. Consult the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons for more information on this particular condition (see Resources below).
Try the risk assessment tool for deep vein thrombosis at The Coalition to Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis (see Resources below).
Individuals with thrombosis may have trouble being in situations requiring long periods of sitting, such as air travel. Wearing compression stockings or doing occasional leg exercises usually helps relieve symptoms.
Thrombosis can be life-threatening or moderately severe, depending on where it occurs. Deep veins, such as those in the thigh or leg, can be hard to detect and fatal, as compared to thrombosis in the veins just below the skin.
Do not rely on a clinical exam alone to detect thrombosis. Such a diagnosis requires additional laboratory tests in order to determine the best treatment.
Monitor the thrombosis carefully. Symptoms may reoccur, and they may be different during each occurrence.
