A blood test that will look to see if any blood clots are being formed or broken down in your body. This is one of the most common tests. It is quick and simple and can be helpful to “exclude” PE.
What tests may be performed?
PULMONARY EMBOLISM
What tests may be performed?
D-Dimer
Risk Scoring
A series of questions which a doctor can use to identify your possibility for pulmonary embolism. Questions include items such as:
if you’ve had surgery in the previous 4 weeks
if you’ve had a cancer in the last 6 months
if you’ve had previous clots
if your heart rate is abnormal
Venous duplex ultrasound
An ultrasound that scans your veins to look for blood clots. This is one of the most common tests as many clots in the lungs (PE) come from clots in the legs that travel through the heart and into the lungs.
Advanced imaging tests to determine if you have had a pulmonary embolism
Computed tomography pulmonary angiography – combines the use of X-rays and a special dye to provide detailed pictures of the blood vessels in the lungs
Pulmonary ventilation/perfusion scan (lung scan) – involves two scans to measure circulation of air and blood flow in the lungs.
Pulmonary angiography – is a more invasive test using a dye injected into your lungs though a vein to see how blood flows through the lungs and confirm the diagnosis of PE. This test is less frequently used.
Other tests – may include a chest x-ray, electrocardiogram (ECG), and echocardiogram (ultrasound of your heart).