deep vein thrombosis (DVT) investigations

You are being investigated to see if there is a blood clot in your leg, also known as a deep vein thrombosis. We hope that you find it more convenient to have your care managed in our ambulatory care unit. Blood clots can cause leg pain, swelling and redness. Clots can be seen on ultrasound scans if they have formed above your knee. Depending on your circumstances, we may begin treating you for a clot before we have the results of your scan. This is to decrease the risk of complications such as growth of the clot or movement of the clot to other parts of the body such as the lungs.

Scan today:

You may be given a dose of an anticoagulant (blood thinning) medication. The ambulatory care team will let you know what time your scan is expected. Please return to the ambulatory care area to be seen by a doctor after your scan has been completed.

Scan tomorrow:

You may be given a dose of an anticoagulant (blood thinning) medication before you go home. The radiology reception will phone you with a time for your scan that afternoon or the following morning. After you have had your scan please come to our ambulatory care area (Ambulatory Care Unit at Royal Sussex County Hospital or Rapid Access Medical Unit at Princess Royal Hospital) where a doctor will review your results with you and coordinate further care.

If you do not receive a time for your scan, call the Royal Sussex County Hospital: 01273 696955 extension 4242 or Princess Royal Hospital: 01444 441881 and ask switchboard to connect you to the radiology reception.

If you have a blood clot in your leg, there is a risk it could become dislodged and move to your lungs causing you to collapse unexpectedly. Please do not drive or work until results of the scan are known.

Please call your GP, 111 or return to A&E if you experience chest pain, become breathless or cough up blood.

At Royal Sussex County Hospital go to ACU (Ambulatory Care Unit) (weekday) or AMU (Acute Medical Unit) (weekend). ACU is located on level 5 of the Thomas Kemp tower (the same floor as A&E). The entrance is next to the WRVS coffee and snack shop and the Acute Medical Unit.

At Princess Royal Hospital go to RAMU (Rapid Access Medical Unit). RAMU is located next to A&E.

Princess Royal Hospital RAMU number: 01444 441881, extension 8557 (weekdays 9am to 8pm).

Royal Sussex County Hospital ACU Number: 01273 696955, extension 4174 (weekdays 8am to 6pm).

VTE specialist nurse number (RSCH) 01273 696955, extension 4217 (9am to 5pm weekdays).

This information is intended for patients receiving care in Brighton & Hove or Haywards Heath.

The information here is for guidance purposes only and is in no way intended to replace professional clinical advice by a qualified practitioner.