Pulmonary Embolism : Diagnosis
How is Pulmonary Embolis Diagnosed?
The definitive diagnosis of PE must be made in a hospital or clinic with radiology facilities. A chest CT scan (“CAT scan”) or a nuclear medicine scan are the most common tests to establish the diagnosis of PE. The most crucial point is for patients and their health care providers to consider the possibility of PE. Prior to chest CT scanning or a nuclear medicine scan, doctors may determine the likelihood of PE by doing screening tests such as a chest X-ray, electrocardiogram, and blood test called a “D-dimer.” Low D-dimer levels virtually exclude PE.
Pulmonary Embolism section was last modified: March 10, 2008 - 11:58 am
