What is a DVT ultrasound scan?
A DVT ultrasound is a Doppler scan of the deep veins in your leg, from the groin to the calf, to check for a blood clot (deep vein thrombosis). It is the standard test for DVT: quick, painless, radiation-free and very accurate for clots in the thigh and behind the knee.
What are the symptoms of DVT?
DVT usually affects one leg. Common symptoms are:
- Pain, tenderness or cramping in the calf or thigh
- Swelling of the calf, ankle or whole leg
- Warm skin, and redness or darker discolouration
- Swollen, more visible veins
Some clots cause few symptoms, which is why risk factors matter too.
When is a suspected DVT an emergency?
Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if you have chest pain, sudden breathlessness, coughing blood or feel faint. These can be signs that a clot has travelled to the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
A suspected DVT itself should be assessed the same day. If you cannot be scanned the same day, contact your GP, NHS 111 or an urgent care centre so treatment can be started while you wait.
Can you have a DVT and not know it?
Yes. Some clots cause only mild or intermittent symptoms, such as an ache that comes and goes, and some cause none at all. That is why a scan is worthwhile when you have risk factors, such as a recent long flight, surgery or pregnancy, even if the symptoms seem minor.
Will a blood clot in the leg go away on its own?
The body slowly breaks down clots, but a DVT should never be left untreated, because it can grow or travel to the lungs. Blood-thinning medicine prevents that while the body clears the clot, usually for at least three months. Some small calf clots are monitored with a repeat scan instead, which your specialist will explain.
What causes DVT?
Clots form when blood flow slows, the vein is damaged or the blood clots more easily. Common risk factors include:
- Long flights or car journeys, and immobility
- Recent surgery, injury or a hospital stay
- Pregnancy, the first weeks after birth, the combined pill and HRT
- Cancer, a previous clot, a family history of clots, smoking and obesity
Calf pain: is it a clot or a muscle problem?
Often you cannot tell from symptoms alone. Both can cause one-sided calf pain and swelling. A clot is more likely after travel, surgery or immobility; a muscle tear usually starts suddenly during activity. If there is any doubt, a DVT scan checks the veins and the specialist can look at the muscle at the same visit.
How accurate is a DVT ultrasound?
Very accurate for clots in the main deep veins of the thigh and behind the knee, which are the clots most likely to travel to the lungs. Small clots in the calf veins can be harder to see; if your symptoms persist after a normal scan, a repeat scan after a week is sometimes advised.
What happens if a clot is found?
You are told straight away. DVT is treated with blood-thinning medicine (anticoagulants), started the same day. We make a referral recommendation and send the report to your GP the same day, so treatment is not delayed.
What is superficial thrombophlebitis?
It is a clot in a vein just under the skin, causing a tender, red, cord-like line, often in a varicose vein. It is usually less serious than DVT, but can sometimes extend into the deep veins, so it is worth scanning to check, especially if it is near the groin or behind the knee.
Can I fly after a DVT scan?
If the scan is clear, yes. If a clot is found, flying is usually postponed until you have been on treatment for a period your doctor advises. On long flights, staying hydrated, moving regularly and, if recommended, wearing compression stockings reduce your risk.
Does a DVT scan hurt?
No. The probe rests on the skin with warm gel and is pressed gently over the veins. If your leg is tender the specialist works carefully. There are no needles, no contrast and no radiation.
How long does a DVT scan take?
Around twenty to thirty minutes for one leg. That includes a short chat about your symptoms, the scan from groin to calf, and time to explain the result before you leave.
How much does a DVT scan cost?
At Harley Street Ultrasound a private DVT ultrasound costs £290, all fees inclusive: the Doppler scan, the specialist’s time, your written report and images. Same-day appointments are usually available.
What if you find something?
Your specialist tells you in the room, in plain English, and explains exactly what it means. You will never be sent home to wait for a letter. Most findings are benign and need nothing more than a sensible review date.
Anything that does need attention gets a clear, objective recommendation in your report: monitor, test further, or refer. Follow-up tests can usually be arranged at 99 Harley Street, often the same week, and those results are also explained to you personally.
Do I need a referral?
No. Harley Street Ultrasound is a private clinic, so you can book a DVT ultrasound in London directly online or by phone. No GP letter, no waiting list, and same-day or next-day appointments are usually available. If you are searching for a DVT ultrasound near me from anywhere in central London, we are at 99 Harley Street, a short walk from Regent’s Park and Oxford Circus stations.
If you are wondering how much a private DVT ultrasound costs, the answer is published before you book: £290, all fees inclusive: the examination, the specialist’s time, your written report and your images. Insured patients should bring a referral or authorisation number if their policy requires one.
How soon will I have the written report?
Usually the same day: a Harley Street DVT ultrasound comes with same-day results as standard, and you will already know the findings, because they are explained to you on screen during the appointment.
The written report is prepared by the specialist team and published to your secure patient portal together with your images, with measurements and a clear recommendation, ready to share with your GP or specialist.
What happens after the scan?
Nothing special: there is no aftercare needed. You can eat, drive and go back to work straight away. Diagnostic ultrasound at these intensities has no confirmed adverse effects, which is why it can be repeated safely for monitoring. If your results suggest a next step, your specialist explains it before you leave.
Can I still use the NHS afterwards?
Yes: completely. Coming to us privately never affects your NHS care. Our job is to get you answers quickly; if anything needs urgent attention, your specialist writes to your NHS GP recommending an urgent appointment, so you re-enter the NHS pathway with a diagnosis already in hand rather than joining the queue from the start.
