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Point-of-care testing speeds up diagnosis for deep vein thrombosis

Neal Aplin discusses how the introduction of point-of-care testing to Swindon's Great Western Hospital Ambulatory Care Unit eased pressure on staff, leading to improved patient flow and shorter waiting times. In addition, this has been the catalyst for the introduction of further POC testing in the hospital to support patient triage.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) affects around one in 1000 adults each year. It occurs when a blood clot develops in a deep vein, most often in a leg, causing pain and swelling in the affected area. When left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, including pulmonary embolism (PE)1.

Tackling DVT in Swindon

In Swindon and the surrounding area, patients with suspected DVT were previously assessed at a specialised community-based DVT clinic. The clinic would receive referrals from primary care centres such as GP surgeries. The service was run by a senior nurse and if DVT was confirmed then they would start appropriate initial treatment (eg rivaroxaban) and refer the patient back to their GP for further management, if required. This set-up ensured that patients with suspected DVT could be treated locally and did not have to attend other secondary care units, such as emergency departments or ambulatory care units.

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Upcoming Events

Pathology Horizons 2024

MacDonald Bath Spa Hotel, Bath
18-20 April, 2024

Diagnostics North East Conference 2024

The Catalyst, Newcastle upon Tyne
19 April, 2024

ECCMID 2024 - European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

Fira Gran Via, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
27-30 April 2024

British Society for Microbial Technology Annual Microbiology Conference

UK Health Security Agency, Colindale, London
2 May 2024

EQA Reports: Interpreting Key Information & Troubleshooting Tips

ONLINE - Zoom
Thursday 16th May 2024

Participants’ Meeting: UK NEQAS Immunology, Immunochemistry & Allergy

Sheffield Hallam University, City Campus, Howard Street, Sheffield
24th May 2024

Access the latest issue of Pathology In Practice on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Pathology In Practice app from your device's App store

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