Vein Scan

Fibrinogen Uptake Study

Test Overview

A vein scan is a nuclear scanning test to detect blood clots in the deep veins of the legs (called deep vein thrombosis). Blood clots in certain large veins of the body can break loose and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, blocking blood flow to a lung (pulmonary embolism). See an illustration of deep vein thrombosis.

During a vein scan, a radioactive tracer substance is injected into a vein in the arm. It travels through the bloodstream and accumulates at the site of a newly forming blood clot. Scans are done 10 to 90 minutes after the tracer is injected. A newly formed blood clot will show up on the pictures as a bright or “hot” spot.

	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: November 1, 2006
Medical Review:	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine Kenneth B. Sutherland, CD, BSc, MD, FRCPC - Diagnostic Radiology
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.