Overview
This observational study will use a new way to test for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the leg. A DVT is a blood clot in the leg and is a medical problem that can cause swelling, pain, and redness. If the blood clot is not treated, it can cause more serious, long-term effects, and occasionally lead to death.
The main questions the study aims to answer are:
- How safe is our new blood clot testing method?
- How efficient is our new blood clot testing method?
The study will be run in the emergency department and urgent care centre in Kingston, Ontario. Patients who are tested for a DVT in the leg can be included in the study. Researchers follow the patient through chart review to make sure the new system is safe and efficient.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- emergency physician decides to test for DVT of the lower limb.
Exclusion Criteria:
- <18 years of age;
- tested for DVT without using the DAYS algorithm at the index visit;
- D-dimer level is known before DAYS item assessment;
- a new indication for anticoagulation at the emergency department assessment (other than DVT) in a patient not previously prescribed an anticoagulant;
- a history of prior lower limb DVT, where there is no access to baseline ultrasound imaging;
- suspected of having a pulmonary embolism;
- has previously participated in this study;
- has previously opted out of all research at hospital site;
- left the emergency department or urgent care centre against medical advice;
- D-dimer was ordered prior to initial physician assessment;
- imaging for DVT or pulmonary embolism within the previous 30 days;
- transferred from another hospital organization.