Contents
Testing for Blood Clots: What You Need to Know About VTE Screening
Published: Jun 21, 2024
Testing for VTE can uncover hidden risks and guide treatment. Here's how healthcare providers approach it.
Initial Testing Methods
To evaluate VTE, doctors start with a complete history and physical exam, looking for signs of surgery, trauma, or family history of clots. Routine lab tests like a blood count and coagulation studies help identify potential risk factors. Imaging studies, such as ultrasounds or CT scans, confirm the presence of clots.
Advanced Testing for Inherited Disorders
In some cases, further testing for inherited thrombophilia is necessary. This includes checking for deficiencies in proteins that prevent clotting and genetic mutations like Factor V Leiden. Such tests are usually reserved for younger patients or those with a family history of VTE.
Testing for Malignancy
When VTE occurs without a clear cause, doctors might test for hidden cancers. This involves basic lab tests and age-appropriate cancer screenings. In high-risk patients, more extensive testing, like CT scans, is considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tests include blood counts, clotting studies, and imaging like ultrasounds.
Yes, especially for those with family history or young patients.
Unexplained VTE might indicate hidden cancers needing investigation.
A genetic mutation increasing the risk of blood clots.
Wrapping Up
Proper testing for VTE can be life-saving—are you up-to-date on your screenings?
References
- Mateo J, Oliver A, Borrell M, et al. Laboratory evaluation of VTE patients. Thromb Haemost 1997; 77:444.
- Carrier M, Le Gal G, Wells PS, et al. Occult Cancer in Unprovoked VTE. N Engl J Med 2015; 373:697.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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