Tests for Deep Venous Thrombosis

Evaluation will include history and physical examination for the findings consistent with DVT.

• Echography, especially Doppler, has offered a painless noninvasive alternative for diagnosing this problem.
• CT or MRI scans can provide images of blood clots in veins
• Venography, which involves an injection of a radio opaque contrast dye into a foot vein, provides X-ray illumination of the lower extremity venous system.
• Blood tests (i.e. blood count and coagulation profile) will also be performed.

Treatment for Deep Venous Thrombosis

Anticoagulants (blood thinners)

Anticoagulant medication can be given in the hospital or outpatient setting depending upon your condition.  Treatment will involve the use of medications (such as heparin or warfarin) to inhibit the blood’s ability to clot.  Anticoagulants will not dissolve blood clots but can prevent the enlargement of the clot and stop the clot from moving.
 
The use of heparin and warfarin must be mentored closely due to the increased risk for bleeding and taking too low of a dose will not be therapeutic.  It is important to follow your physician’s dosing instructions when taking anticoagulants and not miss any scheduled blood tests. Blood tests are used to determine the effectiveness of your medication regimen. Pregnant women cannot take warfarin.

Thrombolytics (clotbusters)

For large clots, clots not responding to current medications, or serious life threatening clots, a thrombolytic may be prescribed.  A thrombolytic is a medication that can quickly dissolve a blood clot.  They are only used in special situations because of the potential risk for serious bleeding.

Compression Stockings

Compression stockings are used to reduce swelling and prevent blood from pooling, both can be common in patients with a DVT.  Pooling blood could lead to more DVTs.