You are being tested for a suspected blood clot in the deep veins of the leg, arm or the lungs. These clots are known collectively as venous thromboembolism (VTE). The symptoms of VTE are usually pain and swelling to the affected limb, chest pain, unexplained collapse or shortness of breath.
The next stage in testing you for a VTE is for you to have a special scan. This is a simple procedure.
We have arranged for this scan to be done in Radiology 2 - Ladywell Building
On:
Time:
On the day of your appointment, you should attend Radiology 2 Reception in the Ladywell Building, 20 minutes before your scan appointment time. Please book in at reception and show this leaflet.
Please bring with you any relevant documents, including a copy of your GP prescription or list of your medicines and any recent hospital letters.
If you will require an ambulance to bring you to your appointment, please let a member of the Emergency Department nursing staff know before you leave and we will try to make arrangements for you.
Some patients are supplied with a course of blood thinning injections or tablets to be given every day until the scan is performed. These medications are to help protect you against the risk of a VTE causing problems while we are looking to see if you have already developed a clot.
However, these medications can make you more likely to bleed, especially if you hurt yourself accidentally. Please be aware of this. If you need injections, we will show you how to give these to yourself. If you cannot give yourself injections we can arrange help with this.
After the scan is done, you will be sent to the Ambulatory Care Area of EAU for further clinical assessment. The results of your scan will be explained to you by a specialist nurse or doctor. If your scan does not show a blood clot, you will probably be discharged.
If the scan shows a VTE requiring treatment, the medications will need to be continued for an initial period of between 6 weeks to 6 months.
After this initial treatment period, you will need to be reviewed by your doctor or in a clinic to discuss the risks and benefits of continuing to have blood thinning medicines.
Please contact EAU on 0161 206 4908 or 0161206 4880 during working hours if you are unable to attend for your scan for any reason - you will need to be given a new date and possibly more medication.
Please contact a healthcare professional or return to the Emergency Department immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Worsening pain in your chest
- Difficulty breathing
- Coughing up or vomiting blood
- Unexplained bleeding or bleeding from any part of the body that does not stop
- Worsening pain or swelling of your limb
- A significant injury (especially a head injury) where there is a risk of internal bleeding
Date of Review: January 2025
Date of Next Review: January 2027
Ref No: PI_SU_1647 (Salford)