What test determines if a patient has a blood clot in the femoral vein?

Answer 1

A simple ultrasound can show most "blood clots" (thrombosis, singular... thrombi, plural).

How a leg ultrasound is performed

The patient is asked to remove slacks (pants, trousers) and is given a gown. The underwear can stay on. The patient rests on an exam table which may be slightly elevated to make it more comfortable for the technician. The patient is often flat or the head of the table may be slightly elevated for comfort.

The technician drapes a folded sheet over the groin / privates area, and the gown is pulled up to about the waist. The technician applies a gel--- which has usually been warmed -- to the inside of the leg, high up near the underwear. This means the patient's legs are spread slightly; often the patient must turn that leg outward, bent at the knee in order to give enough room. The technician runs a special tool along the area; the tool also has gel applied on the end which allows for easy movement across the skin. The technician turns or tips the tool in order to best see the vein or artery. The test includes from the top of the femoral artery and vein, down the inside of the thigh, to the back of the knee. They may also view the area right on the groin where the femoral pulse can be felt at the very top of the leg (thus, the underwear elastic is moved to the side).

During the test, the technician may turn the audio off or on periodically. When "on", you will hear how the sound of bloodflow through your artery or vein.

After the test

After the test, the technician (or patient) wipes off the remaining gel with towels. After cleaning up, the patient re-dresses and, if out-patient, often returns home. IF the technician thinks the patient needs immediate care, the patient will receive that info before leaving.

Other

Other tests may be performed as well, especially if an artery is blocked.

Also, routine blood tests are often drawn to check platelets and other blood components. Note that platelets can become "thick" and sticky if a person is chronically dehydrated.

Treatment

If diagnosed with a thrombosis, medication is immediately started to break up the clot. Heparin (IV) is given if hospitalized. All oral meds must be taken as directed, usually with weekly blood testing. The patient may need to change the foods they eat if on clot-busting meds; some foods interfere.

Sometimes, surgery is needed to remove the clot or to insert a "stent", a small screen-like device that prevents clots from traveling up the body to the heart, lungs, or brain as an embolism.

Prevention

Besides lowering triglycerides through dietary measures, patients also need to drink plenty of water / fluids. If you drink alcohol, remember that alcohol causes dehydration, so drink a glass of water at least 1x an hour. All people who sit for long periods risk getting clots in the legs-- therefore, stand every 2 hours at least. Walk for a few minutes if you can, or flex onto your toes while standing. While sitting, flex each foot, toes toward leg and relax; repeat on each side several times during every hour, especially if taking a long car or airplane trip. Avoid falling asleep in a chair with your feet down. Report any pain or redness in the calf immediately so the Dr can evaluate for thrombosis.

Answer 2

If you are referring to deep vein thrombosis (DVT), then the typical study to look for it is an ultrasound to look and the vessels and the flow of blood.