Same-day compression ultrasound for suspected deep vein thrombosis. NICE-compliant proximal leg vein assessment by HCPC-registered specialist sonographers. CQC-registered Harley Street clinic, no GP referral required.
Instant verbal results. Written report within 24 hours.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in one of the deep veins — most commonly in the leg. If untreated, a DVT can dislodge and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism (PE), which is a life-threatening emergency. Rapid, accurate diagnosis is essential.
A DVT ultrasound scan uses compression ultrasound and Doppler imaging to assess the deep veins of the leg for clot. NICE guidelines (NG158) recommend a proximal leg vein ultrasound scan as the primary investigation for suspected DVT, with results ideally available within 4 hours. At Sonoworld, same-day appointments are available and results are provided immediately after the scan.
Compression ultrasound of the common femoral, femoral, and popliteal veins — the proximal deep veins most commonly affected by DVT. Non-compressibility is the primary diagnostic criterion for DVT.
Assessment of the distal (calf) deep veins including the posterior tibial and peroneal veins. Calf DVT is assessed where clinically indicated, particularly in patients with isolated calf symptoms.
Colour Doppler and spectral waveform analysis to assess venous flow, spontaneity, phasicity, and augmentation. Absent or abnormal flow patterns support the diagnosis of DVT or venous obstruction.
If you develop sudden breathlessness, chest pain, or cough up blood alongside leg symptoms, this may indicate a pulmonary embolism — a medical emergency. Call 999 immediately and do not wait for a scan appointment.
For suspected DVT without respiratory symptoms, same-day assessment at Sonoworld is appropriate. A negative scan provides immediate reassurance; a positive result is communicated to your GP within hours to facilitate prompt anticoagulation.
Our specialist sonographer takes a brief clinical history including your symptoms, duration, risk factors, and Wells DVT score if calculated by your GP. This ensures the examination is appropriately targeted.
Gel is applied to the leg and the sonographer uses a high-frequency probe to compress the deep veins systematically from groin to calf. The examination is mildly uncomfortable but not painful.
Your sonographer explains their findings immediately after the scan. A negative scan provides immediate reassurance. A positive result is communicated to your GP by telephone within hours.
A comprehensive written report is emailed to you within 24 hours. Positive results are escalated to your GP immediately to facilitate urgent anticoagulation treatment.
Also see: Cardiovascular Scans Hub · Cardiovascular Screening Package
No. You can self-refer directly online or by calling 020 3633 4902. However, if your GP has calculated a Wells DVT score, please bring this information to your appointment as it helps guide the examination.
Compression ultrasound has a sensitivity of over 95% for proximal DVT (femoral and popliteal veins) and is the gold-standard investigation recommended by NICE guidelines (NG158). Sensitivity for isolated calf DVT is lower, and a repeat scan may be recommended if symptoms persist.
If a DVT is confirmed, your sonographer will notify your GP by telephone immediately after the scan. Your GP will then arrange urgent anticoagulation treatment (typically a direct oral anticoagulant such as rivaroxaban or apixaban). You should contact your GP directly after the scan if you have not been contacted within a few hours.
Yes. Upper limb DVT (affecting the axillary, subclavian, or brachial veins) can also be assessed by compression ultrasound. Upper limb DVT is less common but can occur in patients with central venous catheters, pacemaker leads, or thoracic outlet syndrome. Please mention arm symptoms when booking.
A standard proximal leg vein DVT scan takes approximately 30–45 minutes. Extended examinations including calf veins or bilateral leg assessment may take slightly longer.
Tap to Call
