Deep Vein Thrombosis Tests & Treatments at University of Colorado Hospital
Tests for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
DVT tests detect blood clots that may pose a risk to your health.
Infrared light
This test detects the presence of blood leakage from vessels into surrounding tissues.
Muscle pump
This test squeezes blood out of the veins and measures the amount of time the vein takes to refill.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound tests use a wand that emits painless, high-frequency sound waves that are captured visually and show how well blood is flowing through the veins.
CT scan
This test uses multi-angle X-rays to show pictures of an affected vein. The pictures allow your doctor to identify areas of poor blood flow.
Venography
Uses contrast dye to show the veins more clearly on X-ray.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Treatments
Blood Thinners
Your doctor may prescribe blood thinnners to stop the progression of a clot. These thinners can be short-acting or long-acting. Long-acting thinners need time to take effect; in the interim, your doctor will administer low molecular weight heparin as a “bridge” thinner.
Catheterization
Your doctor may choose to dissolve the clot with a long, thin tube called a catheter. The catheter is threaded through a vein to the clot. The clot is then infused with a naturally occurring substance, known as a lysing (loosening) agent, which helps to break up the collection of blood.
Filters
Your doctor may decide to surgically place a filter in the main vein of your abdomen to catch a clot if it breaks loose if:
- Your DVT is chronic
- Your DVT is recurring
- You cannot take blood thinners
The filter prevents the clot from lodging in your lung (a pulmonary embolism) that may threaten your life.