Vascular Ultrasound for Suspected Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

A Doppler ultrasound examination used to look for a blood clot in the deep veins of the leg.

What is it?

A vascular ultrasound for suspected deep vein thrombosis uses sound waves to examine blood flow and the compressibility of the deep veins, usually in one or both legs. It can identify a DVT and help your clinician decide whether treatment or further assessment is required. It does not use radiation.

Is it for me?

New swelling of one leg or a noticeable difference between the legs
Calf or thigh pain, tenderness, warmth or redness
Unexplained leg swelling after surgery, hospital admission, injury or reduced mobility
Recent prolonged travel or immobilisation
Pregnancy or the period following childbirth
Active cancer, previous DVT or another recognised clotting risk
A raised D-dimer result together with relevant symptoms or clinical findings

Important: A suspected DVT requires urgent clinical assessment and should not be booked as a routine scan without medical review. If you also have sudden breathlessness, chest pain, coughing up blood, fainting or collapse, call 112 immediately because these can be symptoms of a pulmonary embolism.

Preparing for your test

No fasting is usually required; eat, drink and take regular medicines unless advised otherwise
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows the whole leg and groin area to be examined
Bring the referral information, medication list and any D-dimer result or previous DVT imaging
Tell the clinician if you are taking anticoagulants or have recently started treatment for a suspected clot
Do not massage a painful or swollen leg while awaiting medical assessment

What to expect

You will lie on an examination couch with the leg exposed while your privacy is maintained
Water-based gel is applied and the ultrasound probe is moved along the veins of the leg
The clinician will apply gentle pressure with the probe at several points to assess whether the veins compress normally
Doppler measurements may be used to assess blood flow, and you may be asked to change position or briefly hold your breath
The examination is usually painless, although pressure over a tender area may be uncomfortable

Practical information

Timing: Suspected DVT is time-sensitive. The appropriate urgency and pathway should be determined by the assessing clinician.

Duration: The examination commonly takes around 20–40 minutes, depending on whether one or both legs require assessment.

Results: The result should be communicated promptly through the agreed clinical pathway so that treatment or further investigation can be arranged when necessary.

Limitations: A negative initial scan does not always end the assessment. Depending on the area scanned, symptoms, clinical probability and D-dimer result, your clinician may advise repeat ultrasound or another investigation.

Related services

Urgent family doctor or emergency assessment
D-dimer blood test when clinically indicated
Anticoagulation review and monitoring
Cardiology or specialist vascular assessment when indicated

Ready to arrange your test? This is a time-sensitive examination and should be arranged through the clinical pathway advised by the assessing doctor. Contact reception only after you have been medically assessed and referred. Please select the correct test when booking.

For general enquiries about this scan, you can also Enquire Now
or call reception directly on 2145 3973.