It has recently been reported by the Healthcare Watchdog that many lives could be saved if hospitals were quicker to diagnose blood clots in the legs and lungs.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has reported that some hospitals are currently leaving it too late to test for blood clots. This can cause further risks to the patient of long-term health problems and it could potentially endanger lives.
NICE is now urging hospitals in England and Wales to offer tests within 24 hours of identifying possible symptoms.
In England and Wales last year, more than 56,000 people were affected by blood clots in the legs or lungs. Clots can form in any vein deep within the body, but they are most often found in the leg.
When a clot forms, it blocks the vein, preventing blood from draining from the limb as it should. Clots in the legs can lead to long-term pain, severe swelling and potentially amputation. If a clot were to dislodge and travel from the legs to the lungs, they can be fatal and so it is crucial that they are diagnosed quickly.
Once a clot has been diagnosed, treatment should be started to thin the blood. This is to reduce the risk that the clot will grow or spread.
Hospitals in England are currently required to check all patients for the risk of developing blood clots but now the Healthcare Watchdog wants hospitals to offer blood tests and an ultrasound scan within 24 hours of a patient presenting with symptoms.
Professor Gerard Stansby, a chairman of the guideline development group said:
“The NHS should be offering a seven-day-a-week service. It’s not acceptable any more for people to have to wait over the weekend to get these tests in hospital.”
It is vital that patients presenting with symptoms of blood clots are tested as soon as possible. Early diagnosis of a clot could prevent possible long term damage or potential life-threatening consequences.
At this stage, the advice from the Healthcare Watchdog is only guidance for hospitals. However, it does emphasise the importance of early diagnosis in cases of blood clots and urges hospitals to work towards providing testing within 24 hours.
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Danielle Young is an Associate in our Medical Negligence team.
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