Question 1

What is Pulmonary embolism?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary embolism is a serious condition where blood clots block arteries in the lungs, potentially causing life-threatening complications. It is caused by blood clots that typically form in the deep veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis) and travel to the lungs. The D-Dimer blood test is the most important screening test for pulmonary embolism because it detects protein fragments released when the body breaks down blood clots.

Question 2

What causes pulmonary embolism?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary embolism is caused by blood clots that form in the deep veins of the legs or pelvis (deep vein thrombosis) and break loose, traveling through the bloodstream to lodge in the pulmonary arteries of the lungs. These clots block blood flow to lung tissue, reducing oxygen supply and potentially causing tissue damage. Risk factors that promote clot formation include prolonged immobility, surgery, pregnancy, cancer, obesity, smoking, birth control pills, and inherited clotting disorders.

Question 3

What is the best test for pulmonary embolism?

Accepted Answer

The D-Dimer test is the most important blood test for pulmonary embolism because it detects protein fragments released when blood clots break down in your body. Elevated D-Dimer levels indicate significant clot formation and help determine whether you need emergency imaging studies like CT pulmonary angiography, which is the gold standard for confirming the diagnosis. While D-Dimer alone cannot diagnose pulmonary embolism, it is essential for ruling out the condition when levels are normal and for supporting clinical suspicion when levels are elevated, especially when combined with your symptoms and risk factors.

Question 4

When should I get tested for pulmonary embolism?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested immediately if you experience sudden chest pain that worsens with deep breathing, unexplained shortness of breath or rapid breathing, coughing up blood, rapid or irregular heartbeat, or lightheadedness and fainting. These symptoms require emergency medical evaluation, as pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening condition. You should also consider testing if you have risk factors like recent surgery, prolonged bed rest or travel, active cancer, or a history of blood clots, especially if you develop any respiratory symptoms.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of pulmonary embolism?

Accepted Answer

The symptoms of pulmonary embolism include sudden shortness of breath that appears without obvious cause, sharp chest pain that worsens when you breathe deeply or cough, coughing up blood or blood-streaked mucus, rapid or irregular heartbeat, and lightheadedness or fainting. You might also experience leg pain or swelling (usually in one leg), clammy or bluish skin, excessive sweating, and anxiety. The severity of symptoms depends on the size and number of clots blocking your lung arteries, with larger clots causing more dramatic and dangerous symptoms.

Question 6

Who is at risk for pulmonary embolism?

Accepted Answer

People at highest risk for pulmonary embolism include those who have had recent surgery (especially hip or knee replacement), prolonged immobility from bed rest or long flights, active cancer or chemotherapy treatment, pregnancy or recent childbirth, and a personal or family history of blood clots. Additional risk factors include obesity, smoking, age over 60, heart disease, stroke, hormone therapy or birth control pills, and inherited blood clotting disorders like Factor V Leiden. Your risk increases significantly if you have multiple risk factors combined.

Question 7

What happens if pulmonary embolism is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated pulmonary embolism can cause permanent lung damage, reduced oxygen levels throughout your body, damage to other organs from lack of oxygen, pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs), and sudden death. Even smaller clots can cause lasting problems, while larger clots can be immediately fatal by blocking major blood vessels or causing cardiac arrest. Approximately one-third of people with undiagnosed and untreated pulmonary embolism do not survive, which is why immediate medical attention is critical if you experience symptoms.

Question 8

Can pulmonary embolism be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary embolism cannot be definitively diagnosed with blood tests alone, but the D-Dimer blood test plays a crucial supporting role in assessment. A normal D-Dimer level can effectively rule out pulmonary embolism in low-risk patients, while elevated levels indicate the need for imaging studies like CT pulmonary angiography to confirm the diagnosis. Blood tests also help identify underlying conditions that increase clot risk and monitor treatment effectiveness, but imaging remains essential for confirming the presence, location, and severity of blood clots in your lungs.

Question 9

How is pulmonary embolism treated?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary embolism is treated primarily with anticoagulant medications (blood thinners) like heparin, warfarin, or newer direct oral anticoagulants to prevent existing clots from growing and new clots from forming. For severe cases, doctors may use thrombolytic drugs (clot busters) to dissolve clots quickly, or perform surgical embolectomy or catheter-based clot removal procedures. Treatment typically continues for at least three months, though some people require lifelong anticoagulation. Your doctor will also address underlying risk factors and may recommend compression stockings or other measures to prevent recurrence.

Question 10

How can I prevent pulmonary embolism?

Accepted Answer

You can prevent pulmonary embolism by staying active and avoiding prolonged periods of sitting or bed rest, especially during long flights or car trips where you should move your legs and walk every hour or two. If you are at high risk due to surgery or hospitalization, your doctor may prescribe preventive blood thinners or compression devices for your legs. Maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, staying hydrated, and managing chronic conditions like heart disease also reduce your risk. If you have a history of blood clots, follow your prescribed anticoagulation regimen carefully.

Question 11

What can I do at home for pulmonary embolism?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary embolism is a medical emergency that requires immediate professional treatment and cannot be safely managed at home without medical supervision. Once diagnosed and on treatment, you can support your recovery by taking prescribed blood thinners exactly as directed, avoiding activities that increase bleeding risk, wearing compression stockings as recommended, staying active with approved gentle exercise, and watching for signs of bleeding or recurring clots. Keep all follow-up appointments for blood monitoring and imaging, avoid prolonged immobility, stay well-hydrated, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms worsen or return.

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!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

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.

Pulmonary Embolism Blood Test

What is Pulmonary embolism?

What causes pulmonary embolism?

What is the best test for pulmonary embolism?

When should I get tested for pulmonary embolism?

References

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