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Ultrasound tests use sound waves to create images of the internal organs. DVT (deep vein or venous thrombosis) ultrasounds are frequently ordered to evaluate the veins of the legs and arms to look for clots. These clots can cause swelling and/or pain of one or both legs or arms. The clots can migrate into the arteries that supply the lungs,  and cause life threatening pulmonary emboli which present as shortness of breath and chest pain.  Causes of DVT include:

• The veins of the legs "pump blood" back to the heart by motion of the legs. Blood clots can form when you've been sitting immobile for many hours on a long airplane trip for example.
• Foreign objects in the veins, like catheters or wires can act as clotting agents. This is typically seen in patients who have in-dwelling vein catheters for cancer treatment or fluid infusion.
• There are some medications such as oral contraceptives which can increase the risk of clot formation.
• Patients who are smokers or have cancer are also at increased risk for forming blood clots. Pregnancy and obesity are also other risk factors.
• Some people are born with inherent clotting disorders that increase the risk of clot formation.

Below is a brief outline of the procedure in the outpatient setting:

1. Make sure you wear loose, comfortable clothing.
2. After you sign in, you'll be taken to the ultrasound room and will probably be asked to change into a gown.
3. An ultrasound technician will perform the test.
4. The test is done while you lie down on a bed/gurney.
5. The technologist will ask you to lift up your gown/clothing, exposing your skin.
6. He or she will place a a warmed gel solution over the skin.
7. The technologist will use an ultrasound probe and glide it over your groin and take pictures of the veins to your knee or ankle for a lower leg test. If for the upper arm, the technologist will exam the veins along the side of your neck and down to your elbow area or wrist.
   
8. The technologist will push down on the veins to look for clots. Veins that have clots are not compressible.
   
9. The technologist may ask the Radiologist doctor to review the scan before you leave.
10. An official report is generated by the doctor in about 24-48 hours.

If you are insured DVT ultrasounds are covered. However, for uninsured patients these tests can be quite expensive. You can expect to pay anywhere between $200 and $500 for this test.

Have you had a DVT ultrasound? What was it like? Please leave your comments below