Blood Clot Diagnosis

Blood clots, or thrombi, occur as a natural result of injury. For example, if the skin is cut and begins to bleed, the body immediately causes clotting in an attempt to block the flow of blood out of the body. However, if a blood clot forms inside the blood stream, it can move along the veins and arteries, eventually impeding circulation. A proper diagnosis incorporates a correct analysis of the types, symptoms and tests commonly associated with blood clots.

Types

• There are two primary types of blood clots: venous thrombus and arterial thrombus. Venous thrombus develops slowly. Symptoms will develop gradually over time and are typically associated with pain, swelling and discoloration. Arterial thrombus is a result of an acute event and occurs much faster than venous thrombus. It occurs when body tissue is rapidly cut off from an oxygen supply.

Symptoms

• Venous thrombus causes swelling and redness in the extremities. Extremities are usually tender as a result. It may also result in an inflammation of the lungs, known as pulmonary embolus. Arterial thrombus is much more severe. If a blood clot caused by arterial thrombus affects the arms or legs, they may turn white and become cool to the touch. Acute pain is often associated with bouts of arterial thrombus.

Venous Thrombus Tests

• Venous thrombus is most commonly diagnosed through ultrasound. A doctor may also be able to determine the presence of a blood clot through a process known as venography. This technique incorporates injecting a dye into the blood stream and then using an X-ray to produce a video image of the circulatory system. Blood clots appear on the video image as areas of abnormal color. Other tests include blood tests and the injection of chemicals into the body to determine the presence or absence of pulmonary embolus.

Arterial Thrombus Tests

• Since arterial thrombus is much more severe than venous thrombus, tests are typically coupled with emergency treatment to preserve the life of the victim. A catheter may be inserted into the heart. An electrocardiogram (EKG) is often used when arterial thrombus is coupled with a heart attack. Ateriography uses the same technique as venography by injecting a dye into the body and scanning for blood clots with an X-ray. If arterial thrombus is associated with stroke, a technique of scanning the head for blood or tumors (known as computerized tomography or CT) is used.

Warning

• Blood clots are life-threatening complications. Fatalities typically occur when a blood clot forms, moves along the blood stream to the heart, head or lungs and blocks blood flow. Speak with a doctor immediately if you incur damage to your veins or arteries (such as through cuts or trauma) and experience swelling, redness or pain in your extremities.