Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Investigations

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Investigations and Management

You are being investigated to see if there is a blood clot in your leg, also known as a deep vein thrombosis. We hope that you find it more convenient to have your care managed in our ambulatory care unit. Blood clots can cause leg pain, swelling and redness. Clots can be seen on ultrasound scans if they have formed above your knee. Depending on your circumstances, we may begin treating you for a clot before we have the results of your scan. This is to decrease the risk of complications such as growth of the clot or movement of the clot to other parts of the body such as the lungs.

What to expect

Scan today

You may be given a dose of an anticoagulant (blood thinning) medication. The ambulatory care team will let you know what time your scan is expected. Please return to the ambulatory care area to be seen by a doctor after your scan has been completed.

Scan tomorrow

You may be given a dose of an anticoagulant (blood thinning) medication before you go home. The radiology reception will phone you with a time for your scan that afternoon or the following morning. After you have had your scan please come to our ambulatory care area (Ambulatory Care Unit at Royal Sussex County Hospital or Rapid Access Medical Unit at Princess Royal Hospital) where a doctor will review your results with you and coordinate further care.

If you do not receive a time for your scan, call the Royal Sussex County Hospital: 01273 696955 extension 4242 or Princess Royal Hospital: 01444 441881 and ask switchboard to connect you to the radiology reception.

Working and driving

If you have a blood clot in your leg, there is a risk it could become dislodged and move to your lungs causing you to collapse unexpectedly. Please do not drive or work until results of the scan are known.

When to seek further medical advice

Please call your GP, 111 or return to A&E if you experience chest pain, become breathless or cough up blood.

Review in ambulatory care areas

At Royal Sussex County Hospital go to ACU (Ambulatory Care Unit) (weekday) or AMU (Acute Medical Unit) (weekend). ACU is located on level 5 of the Thomas Kemp tower (the same floor as A&E). The entrance is next to the WRVS coffee and snack shop and the Acute Medical Unit.

At Princess Royal Hospital go to RAMU (Rapid Access Medical Unit). RAMU is located next to A&E.