Question 1

What is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or Pulmonary Embolism (PE)?

Accepted Answer

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE) are serious blood clotting conditions where clots form in deep veins or travel to the lungs. These conditions are caused by abnormal blood coagulation, often triggered by prolonged immobility, surgery, injury, or clotting disorders. The Prothrombin Time (PT) INR test is the most important test for monitoring anticoagulation therapy in patients with DVT or PE.

Question 2

What causes Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE)?

Accepted Answer

DVT and PE are caused by abnormal blood clot formation in the deep veins, typically in the legs, which can then break loose and travel to the lungs. The primary triggers include prolonged immobility during long flights or bed rest, recent surgery or trauma, pregnancy, birth control pills or hormone therapy, smoking, obesity, and inherited clotting disorders like Factor V Leiden mutation. Cancer, heart failure, and inflammatory bowel disease also increase the risk of these dangerous blood clots forming.

Question 3

What is the best test for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE)?

Accepted Answer

The Prothrombin Time (PT) INR test is the most important blood test for DVT and PE because it monitors how well your blood thinner medication is working. While DVT and PE are diagnosed using imaging studies like ultrasound or CT scans, the PT/INR test is essential for patients on anticoagulation therapy with warfarin. This test measures how long your blood takes to clot and helps your doctor adjust your medication dose to keep you in the therapeutic range of 2.0-3.0 INR, preventing both dangerous clotting and bleeding complications. Regular monitoring ensures your blood thinner dosage is effective enough to prevent new clots without causing excessive bleeding.

Question 4

When should I get tested for DVT or PE management?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested regularly if you have been diagnosed with DVT or PE and are taking blood thinners like warfarin. Most patients need PT/INR testing weekly when starting anticoagulation therapy, then every 2-4 weeks once levels stabilize. You should also get tested if you experience unexplained leg swelling, pain or tenderness in your calf or thigh, sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing up blood, as these may indicate a clot. Anyone with risk factors like recent surgery, prolonged bed rest, long flights, or a family history of clotting disorders should discuss testing with their healthcare provider.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of DVT and PE?

Accepted Answer

DVT symptoms include swelling in one leg, pain or tenderness in the calf or thigh that worsens when standing or walking, warmth in the affected area, and red or discolored skin. PE symptoms are more severe and include sudden shortness of breath, sharp chest pain that worsens with deep breathing, rapid heart rate, coughing up blood, lightheadedness or fainting, and anxiety. Not everyone with DVT experiences symptoms, which is why it can be especially dangerous. PE is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment, as it can be life-threatening if a large clot blocks blood flow to the lungs.

Question 6

Who is at risk for DVT and PE?

Accepted Answer

People at higher risk include those over 60 years old, individuals who are immobile for long periods due to hospitalization or long-distance travel, patients recovering from surgery especially orthopedic or cancer surgery, pregnant women and those in the postpartum period, and people taking birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy. Other risk factors include obesity, smoking, cancer and cancer treatment, heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn's or ulcerative colitis, and inherited clotting disorders such as Factor V Leiden. Having a personal or family history of DVT or PE significantly increases your risk of developing these conditions.

Question 7

What happens if DVT or PE is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated DVT can lead to post-thrombotic syndrome, causing chronic leg pain, swelling, skin discoloration, and ulcers that may never fully heal. The most dangerous complication is when the clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. Untreated PE can be fatal, with large clots blocking blood flow to the lungs and causing respiratory failure, dangerously low oxygen levels, and strain on the heart that can lead to heart failure. Even if you survive, PE can cause permanent lung damage and pulmonary hypertension. Immediate medical treatment with anticoagulants is critical to prevent these life-threatening complications.

Question 8

Can DVT and PE be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

DVT and PE cannot be diagnosed with blood tests alone and require imaging studies like ultrasound for DVT or CT pulmonary angiography for PE. However, the D-dimer blood test can help rule out clots when results are negative, though a positive result is not specific enough for diagnosis. The most critical role of blood testing for DVT and PE is monitoring anticoagulation therapy. The Prothrombin Time (PT) INR test is essential for patients taking warfarin to ensure the medication is working effectively without causing dangerous bleeding. Regular blood monitoring allows doctors to adjust medication dosages and keep patients safe during treatment.

Question 9

How are DVT and PE treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment centers on anticoagulation therapy with blood thinners to prevent clots from growing and new ones from forming. Warfarin is a common oral anticoagulant requiring regular PT/INR blood test monitoring, while newer medications like rivaroxaban, apixaban, and dabigatran may require less monitoring. Initial treatment often starts with injectable heparin or low molecular weight heparin for faster action. In severe cases, thrombolytic therapy may be used to dissolve large clots, and some patients may need surgical procedures like thrombectomy or placement of an inferior vena cava filter. Compression stockings help reduce leg swelling and prevent post-thrombotic syndrome, and most patients continue anticoagulation therapy for at least 3-6 months or longer depending on risk factors.

Question 10

How can I prevent DVT and PE?

Accepted Answer

Prevention starts with staying active and avoiding prolonged immobility by moving your legs every hour during long flights or car trips, walking regularly, and doing ankle pumps and leg exercises if bedridden. Maintain a healthy weight, quit smoking, and stay well-hydrated especially during travel. If you are at high risk due to surgery or hospitalization, your doctor may prescribe preventive anticoagulants or recommend compression stockings. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of hormone therapy or birth control pills if you have other clotting risk factors. Manage underlying conditions like heart disease and inflammatory bowel disease, and if you have a family history of clotting disorders, consider genetic testing and discuss prevention strategies with your doctor.

Question 11

What can I do at home to support DVT and PE recovery?

Accepted Answer

Follow your anticoagulation medication schedule precisely and never skip doses or stop taking blood thinners without consulting your doctor. Keep all scheduled PT/INR blood test appointments to ensure your medication is working properly. Elevate your affected leg above heart level several times daily to reduce swelling, and wear compression stockings as prescribed to improve circulation. Stay active with gentle walking as approved by your doctor, but avoid activities that increase bleeding risk like contact sports. Maintain a consistent diet, as sudden changes in vitamin K intake from leafy greens can affect warfarin effectiveness. Watch for signs of bleeding like unusual bruising, blood in urine or stool, or prolonged bleeding from cuts, and seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, or symptoms of stroke.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

DVT and Pulmonary Embolism Blood Test

What is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or Pulmonary Embolism (PE)?

What causes Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE)?

What is the best test for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE)?

When should I get tested for DVT or PE management?

References

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