- Duplex ultrasonography: A noninvasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create pictures of blood flow in veins. It’s the standard test for diagnosing deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
- D-dimer blood test: Measures a protein released into the blood when a clot breaks up. While a positive result can’t confirm a diagnosis, a negative result can help rule out DVT. Doctors can also use this test to monitor treatment and assess the risk of future clots.
- Venography: Uses X-rays and dye to create an image of the veins in the legs and feet.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan: Can be used to diagnose DVT in the abdominal veins.
- Pulmonary angiogram: Involves threading a catheter through a vein in the groin, past the heart, and into the pulmonary artery. Contrast dye is then injected and X-rays are taken to monitor blood flow in the lungs. This is the most accurate way to diagnose a pulmonary embolism (PE).
- Ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan: Injects a small amount of radioactive tracer into a vein in the arm to map blood flow and compare it to airflow to the lungs. This test can help determine if blood clots are causing symptoms of pulmonary hypertension.
.
