Finding the right tests…
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Finding the right tests…
Sonography
DEEP VEIN SINGLE checks the deep venous system of one arm or leg for a blood clot, using the same compression ultrasound technique used to diagnose deep vein thrombosis, or DVT. The name points specifically at the deep veins, such as the femoral and popliteal veins, rather than the superficial veins that sit closer to the skin, because a clot in a deep vein is the one that carries a real risk of breaking loose and reaching the lungs. In practice, this entry appears to describe the same clinical study as DOPPLER SINGLE LIMB VENOUS listed separately in this catalogue. If you need either one, ask your doctor or the centre which name applies before booking.
The scan measures whether the deep veins of the affected limb collapse fully under probe pressure and whether blood flow through them looks normal along their length. A vein that resists collapsing, or shows no flow signal, points to a clot at that spot.
Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is a blood clot that forms in one of the body's deep veins, most often in the leg. It's different from a clot in a superficial vein, which sits closer to the skin and is generally a lower-risk problem. A deep vein clot matters more because part of it can break away and travel to the lungs, a complication called pulmonary embolism.
This scan is named for the deep venous system specifically, the femoral, popliteal, and tibial veins that run alongside the deep arteries, rather than the surface veins visible under the skin. That's the system where a clot carries the risk of traveling onward.
This catalogue also lists DOPPLER SINGLE LIMB VENOUS as a separate entry. Both names describe compression ultrasound of the deep veins in one limb, and they appear to refer to the same underlying study rather than two different tests. If you're unsure which one your doctor meant, ask the centre to confirm before booking.
The sonographer presses the probe against the vein at points down the limb. A healthy vein flattens under that pressure; one carrying a clot resists flattening, which is the main sign the scan is looking for.
They appear to describe the same underlying test, a compression ultrasound of the deep veins in one limb. If your doctor's request uses one name and you're unsure, ask the centre to confirm before your appointment.
It's pointing at the deep venous system, such as the femoral and popliteal veins, rather than the superficial veins closer to the skin. A clot in a deep vein is the one that carries a risk of traveling to the lungs.
The sonographer presses the ultrasound probe against the vein at several points down your limb. A healthy vein collapses flat under that pressure; a vein with a clot inside resists collapsing.
This page is general information about the test, not medical advice. Your own report's reference ranges apply — please discuss your results with your doctor.
Part of a deep vein clot can break loose and travel to the lungs, a complication called pulmonary embolism. Finding it early lets your doctor start treatment before that happens.
This version is used when symptoms are limited to one arm or leg. If both limbs need checking, a both-limb version of the deep vein study is available separately.
Yes, if your doctor has a specific reason to check, such as recent surgery or prolonged immobility. Around half of people with a deep vein clot don't notice clear symptoms.
There's no single preparation instruction that applies to every patient. Ask your doctor or the centre what they'd like you to do beforehand.