How to Test for Thrombosis

Thrombosis occurs when a clot, or thrombus, forms inside a blood vessel. The thrombosis obstructs blood flow in an individual's circulatory system. Thrombosis can be caused by the composition of the blood, an injury to the blood vessel wall or stagnate blood flow. There are two major groups of thrombosis--venous (in the veins) and arterial (in the arteries). Each classification has its own set of thrombosis disorders. Getting a test for thrombosis is an important first step to combating this condition.

Things You'll Need

• Clinical exam
• Ultrasound
• Blood test
• Phlebogram or venogram (optional)

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Instructions

Test for Thrombosis

• 1

  Obtain an initial clinical exam from a physician to confirm suspicion of thrombosis and to get a referral to a vascular specialist.

• 2

  Identify potential risk factors associated with thrombosis. Such risk factors include being over the age of 40, being a smoker, engaging in little to no exercise and being a woman in the later phases of pregnancy.

• 3

  Order an ultrasound scan of the affected area. These scans are virtually painless and highly accurate.

• 4

  Get a blood test for measure "D-dimer." A negative result means a thrombosis clot is not likely to be present.

• 5

  Although rarely ordered, consider a phlebogram or venogram for further testing. In either case, dye is injected into a vein and an x-ray is taken.