Suspected DVT Patient - NHS Sussex

 

Your GP/Health Care Professional (HCP) has referred you for an urgent Ultrasound assessment on your leg. This is because they are concerned that you could have a Deep Vein thrombosis (blood clot) in your leg. 

A Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg.

It is very important that you attend this appointment.

 

Ultrasound will contact you with a scan date, time and location.

Please ensure that you are contactable on the number you have given your GP/HCP and please be aware that this number may come up as a number withheld. If this is not going to work for you or you need a family member or carer to take this call on your behalf, then please discuss with your GP/HCP.

If you do not hear from the hospital within 48 hours, then please contact your GP surgery. 

Your scan should be within 48 hours (if you have seen your GP on a Friday then this would likely be a Monday scan slot).

If you have not already had your blood test taken at your GP practice, please ensure that you arrange to have your blood test taken at the hospital. Your GP/HCP will have given you a blood request form which you will need to hand in for the blood test.

If unsure where to go, please ask at the Ultrasound department and they can signpost you for your blood test.

Please Note

In a small number of people who have a DVT, a part of the blood clot breaks off. This travels in the bloodstream and can get stuck in a blood vessel going to a lung. This is called a Pulmonary Embolus

Pulmonary Embolism: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment | Patient

A Pulmonary Embolism a serious, potentially life-threatening condition and if you experience any of the symptoms listed below you should call 999

  • new or worsening shortness of breath
  • chest pain with breathing
  • coughing up blood

If you have any queries about any of this information you should contact your GP Practice or 111.

Your GP practice should also have given you a follow up appointment in about 6-8 days. If this has not been arranged, then please contact your surgery to arrange this appointment. 

 

Ultrasound

Please report to the X-ray /radiology department and they will direct you to the Ultrasound scanning department. The scan involves a small hand-held device being pressed firmly against the skin on the affected leg. The test takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes to perform. 2.

Blood tests

The blood test result is helpful even if the scan does not see a clot. When you see your GP at the follow-up appointment, your GP will re-examine you and discuss repeating the ultrasound scan 6-8 days after the initial scan if there is no other obvious cause for your leg swelling.

 

Negative Scans

At the end of this scan, if there is no clot detected, you will be able to leave, and the results will be sent to your GP. If your scan is negative the ultrasound department will advise you that there is no clot seen and you should stop your anticoagulation medication at this stage. You must still attend your GP follow up appointment. At this appointment your GP will check the blood test and the scan results and review your diagnosis and management plan. In a small number of cases and after the blood results are received, a second scan is needed and your GP/HCP will advise and arrange, if necessary, hence the importance of attending your pre booked follow up If you have been told your scan is negative it is essential that you attend your practice for your follow up appointment. You should already have been given a follow up appointment at your GP practice to discuss the scan. If this has not been arranged, then please contact your surgery to make this appointment. 

 

Positive Scans

Should a clot be seen on the scan you will be referred at the time of the scan to the ‘Same day Emergency Team’ and will be seen by one of the hospital team to discuss the result and decide on further management. You should cancel your pre-arranged GP follow up appointment if this happens, as it will no longer be needed.

 

Booking Your Blood Test

Worthing Hospital and St Richard’s Hospital

Pre-bookable blood test appointments are available at Southlands Hospital, Worthing Hospital and St Richard’s Hospital. Please note the service no longer provides a walk-in facility. To book a blood test please visit https://www.westernsussexhospitals.nhs.uk/services/blood-tests/ Alternatively, you can telephone 01903 285149 and a member of their team will be able to book your blood test for you. 

 

Crawley Hospital

Monday – Friday 8.00am – 4.45pm
The phlebotomy service at this hospital is a walk-in service for adults, so no appointment is necessary. Please be aware that at busy times there may be a delay

 

Princess Royal Hospital and Royal Sussex County Hospital 

Pre-bookable blood test appointments are available at Princess Royal Hospital and Royal Sussex County Hospital. Please do not attend without booking an appointment. To book a blood test please visit Select a service | NHS Sussex University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (East) (10to8.com) Alternatively, you can telephone 01444 441881 ext. 68199 Please note that blood tests at these hospitals are done between 12noon and 4.30pm

 

The Conquest Hospital, Eastbourne District General Hospital and Bexhill 

Patients can book a blood test by calling 0300 131 5560

 

Last Updated: 17th April 2023