At a glance

The DVT & Clotting Risk Screen

The DVT & Clotting Risk Screen at London Private Ultrasound is a single coordinated assessment that combines a venous Doppler ultrasound of the leg veins with a laboratory clotting-risk blood screen and an integrated private GP review, from £599 for one leg or £699 for both legs, at the Harley Street–district and St Albans clinics, with no GP referral required.

Venous ultrasound
Doppler scan of the deep leg veins, with findings explained the same day.
Clotting-risk bloods
A thrombophilia blood screen for inherited and acquired clotting tendency.
Integrated GP review
A private GP brings the scan and blood results together into one clear plan.
Same day · no referral
Same-day appointments; book directly, with no GP referral needed.

Pricing

One transparent package price

The package is comprehensive and priced as a single fee — the venous ultrasound, the clotting-risk blood screen and the integrated GP review, together. Choose one leg or both, depending on your symptoms and your clinician’s advice.

Most booked

One leg

DVT & Clotting Risk Screen

£599

A venous Doppler ultrasound of one leg, the clotting-risk blood screen and an integrated private GP review — one coordinated assessment, one plan.

  • Venous duplex ultrasound — one leg
  • Complete clotting-risk blood screen
  • Integrated private GP consultation
  • Same-day scan findings · written report
Book this package

Both legs

DVT & Clotting Risk Screen

£699

The same coordinated assessment with a venous Doppler ultrasound of both legs — recommended where symptoms affect both sides or for a fuller baseline.

  • Venous duplex ultrasound — both legs
  • Complete clotting-risk blood screen
  • Integrated private GP consultation
  • Same-day scan findings · written report
Book this package

Which do I need?

Two questions, one assessment

This screen answers two different concerns. Knowing which one applies to you makes the right choice clear — and both are covered by the same package.

“Could I have a clot right now?”

A swollen, warm, painful or discoloured calf — often after a long flight, surgery or a spell of immobility — needs a same-day venous ultrasound. Ultrasound is the standard first-line test for suspected DVT, and findings are explained on the day; if a clot is found we arrange urgent onward care immediately.

“Am I prone to clotting?”

A family history of clots, a previous DVT or pulmonary embolism, recurrent miscarriage, or starting the combined pill or HRT are reasons to look at your underlying clotting risk through the blood screen — with a GP explaining what your results mean for travel, medication and prevention.

Component one, in detail

The venous Doppler ultrasound

A duplex ultrasound of the deep veins of the leg is the standard first-line test for suspected deep vein thrombosis. It is painless, uses no radiation, and gives an answer on the day.

1

How the scan works

A vascular specialist moves an ultrasound probe over the leg, using B-mode imaging and colour Doppler to look directly at the deep veins and the blood flow within them. The scan checks whether the veins compress normally and whether flow is present and unobstructed — the two key signs used to confirm or exclude a clot. It takes about 20–30 minutes per leg.

2

One leg or both?

DVT usually affects one leg, so a single-leg scan is the most common choice when symptoms are one-sided. A both-legs scan is chosen when symptoms affect both sides, when you want a fuller baseline, or on your clinician’s advice — for example after bilateral surgery or long immobility.

3

Findings on the day

Your vascular specialist explains what the scan shows before you leave, with a written report to follow. If a clot is found, we do not leave you waiting — we arrange urgent onward care and communicate with your GP or an urgent referral pathway so treatment can begin promptly.

Component two, in detail

The clotting-risk blood screen

The blood screen follows the established laboratory DVT / pre-travel thrombophilia profile and looks at both inherited and acquired causes of a raised clotting tendency.

What the clotting-risk blood screen examines
TestWhat it looks forWhy it matters
Full Blood Count (FBC)Red cells, white cells, platelets and haematocritRaised platelets or a high haematocrit can add to clotting tendency, and the FBC gives essential context for the rest of the screen.
Factor V Leiden (G1691A)The most common inherited clotting variantCarriers respond less well to the body’s natural anticoagulant, raising the lifetime risk of venous clots — relevant before the combined pill, HRT, pregnancy or frequent long-haul travel.
Prothrombin Factor II (G20210A)The second most common inherited variantCarriers produce more prothrombin, increasing venous clot risk, particularly alongside other risk factors.
Cardiolipin antibodies (IgG + IgM)An acquired, autoimmune clotting tendencyPersistently positive antibodies form part of antiphospholipid syndrome — an important, treatable cause of recurrent clots and pregnancy complications. A positive result is confirmed by a repeat test after 12 weeks.

Component three, in detail

The integrated GP review — where it comes together

The most useful part of the package is the one most tests skip: a private GP who reads the scan and the blood results together and translates them into decisions you can actually make.

What the GP review covers

Your GP goes through the ultrasound findings and each blood result in the context of your personal and family history, and explains what they mean for you — for travel, for the combined pill or HRT, for pregnancy planning and for surgery. Where a result needs action, the GP agrees a clear plan with you, including repeat testing (for example confirming cardiolipin antibodies after 12 weeks), sensible precautions, or onward referral.

When to book urgently

Symptoms of a DVT

Deep vein thrombosis usually affects one leg. Book a same-day scan if you notice:

Swelling

Swelling of one calf or leg — compare the affected side with the other.

Pain or tenderness

Cramping pain or tenderness, often in the calf and worse on standing or walking.

Warmth & colour

Skin that feels warm over the painful area, or looks red or darkened.

⚠ 999 / A&E — do not wait

Call 999 or go to A&E now if you have sudden breathlessness, chest pain that is worse on breathing, coughing up blood, or feel faint — these can be signs of a pulmonary embolism, a medical emergency. Do not book a scan first.

Your pathway

One visit, then your GP review

A simple, coordinated journey — the scan and blood draw together, then an integrated GP review of everything.

Step 1 · Same day

Scan & blood draw

A vascular specialist performs the venous Doppler ultrasound (about 20–30 minutes per leg; painless, no radiation) and the clotting-risk blood screen is taken at the same visit. Scan findings are explained before you leave.

27 Welbeck Street, London W1G 8EN · or St Albans
Step 2 · ≈ 1 week

Laboratory results

The blood screen is processed at an accredited laboratory and results return in about a week. If the scan showed a clot, urgent care is already underway from step 1 — the bloods then inform longer-term prevention.

Step 3 · GP review

Integrated GP consultation

A private GP brings the scan and blood results together, explains what they mean for you, and agrees a personalised plan — including any repeat testing, precautions or referral.

In person at Welbeck Street

Who it’s for

Designed for people with a genuine reason to check

Clotting-risk testing is most valuable when it is targeted. This screen is designed for:

Family or personal history

A first-degree relative who has had a DVT or pulmonary embolism, or a previous clot yourself — especially if unprovoked or at a young age.

Before the pill, HRT or pregnancy

Anyone considering the combined contraceptive pill or HRT, or planning pregnancy, where family history raises a concern worth checking first.

Recurrent miscarriage

Cardiolipin antibodies are part of the standard recurrent-miscarriage work-up; the GP can arrange a broader panel where your history warrants it.

Frequent long-haul travellers

Regular long flights combined with other risk factors — the classic “pre-travel screen” scenario.

Current leg symptoms

A swollen or painful leg after a flight, surgery or immobility — book the same-day scan without waiting for anything else.

Before major surgery

Planned surgery or a period of immobilisation, where a concerning history makes a baseline assessment sensible.

Honest scope

What this screen is — and isn’t

We are open about scope so you can make an informed choice. UK guidance (NICE and the British Society for Haematology) does not recommend routine thrombophilia testing for everyone, and a normal result does not remove all clotting risk — most travel-related clots occur in people with no inherited variant. This screen is aimed at people with a genuine reason to test, and every result is interpreted for you by a GP rather than left as raw numbers.

  • It does not include CT or MRI (LPU is an ultrasound clinic); a suspected pulmonary embolism is a hospital emergency, not a scan booking.
  • A single positive cardiolipin antibody result is not a diagnosis — it must be confirmed on repeat testing after 12 weeks.
  • If you are already on anticoagulants, testing timing matters — tell us at booking so the GP can advise.
  • If testing is unlikely to change any decision for you, our clinicians will say so.

Evidence base

Built on national guidance

NICE — NG158

NICE guideline NG158 (venous thromboembolic diseases) establishes ultrasound of the proximal leg veins as the standard imaging test for suspected DVT, and recommends thrombophilia testing selectively rather than for everyone.

British Society for Haematology

BSH guidance supports thrombophilia testing where the result will change management — the principle this screen is built on, with GP interpretation included.

Travel & clot risk

International research, including the WHO’s WRIGHT project, links flights over roughly four hours with a raised venous clot risk — highest in travellers who already carry other risk factors.

Clinical governance

Who delivers the assessment

Every part is delivered by a named, registered clinician.

CQCICOGMC
HR

Ultrasound scanning

Mrs Hosna Rashidi

Sonographer performing the venous Doppler ultrasound of your legs.

RS

Imaging & radiology

Dr Reza Salehi

GMC-registered Radiologist, providing radiology oversight and reporting where required.

BS

GP review & sign-off

Dr Babak Soleimanpour

Medical Director · GMC-registered GP (MD · MRCGP · DRCOG). Leads the integrated GP review and signs off clinical content on this page.

Verify our registered doctors on the GMC register. For the full LPU team see our Clinical Team page.

FAQ

The DVT & Clotting Risk Screen — common questions

The questions we’re asked most often. If yours isn’t here, call us on 020 7101 3377 or message us on WhatsApp.

What is the DVT & Clotting Risk Screen?

It is a single coordinated assessment that combines a venous Doppler ultrasound of the leg veins, a laboratory clotting-risk blood screen, and an integrated private GP review that brings the results together into one plan. It covers both the question of whether a clot is present now and whether you have an underlying tendency to clot.

How much does it cost?

The package is £599 for one leg or £699 for both legs. This is a single, all-in price covering the ultrasound, the clotting-risk blood screen and the integrated GP review together.

What’s the difference between the one-leg and both-legs price?

The £599 package scans one leg, which suits most people because DVT usually affects a single leg. The £699 package scans both legs and is chosen when symptoms affect both sides, when you want a fuller baseline, or on your clinician’s advice. Everything else in the package is identical.

Do I need a GP referral?

No referral is required. You can book directly online, by phone on 020 7101 3377, or by WhatsApp. If you have relevant medical records or previous reports, bring them so your clinicians can interpret your results in context.

Which blood tests are included?

The screen follows the laboratory’s established DVT / pre-travel thrombophilia profile: Full Blood Count (FBC), Factor V Leiden (G1691A variant), Factor II Prothrombin (G20210A variant) and Cardiolipin antibodies (IgG and IgM).

What is Factor V Leiden?

Factor V Leiden is the most common inherited clotting variant. It makes the blood slightly more prone to clotting because it resists one of the body’s natural anticoagulants. Many carriers never have a problem, but knowing your status helps guide decisions about the pill, HRT, pregnancy, surgery and long-haul travel.

Should everyone get tested before flying?

No. UK guidance recommends targeted rather than routine testing. Most travel-related clots occur in people without an inherited variant, so this screen is aimed at people with a genuine risk factor, such as a personal or family history of clots. If testing is unlikely to change a decision for you, our clinicians will tell you.

How long does the appointment take?

The ultrasound takes around 20–30 minutes per leg, and the blood draw is taken at the same visit, so the in-clinic part is typically under an hour. Your integrated GP review is arranged separately once the blood results are back.

How should I prepare?

No special preparation is needed and you do not need to fast for these tests or the scan. Wear clothing that allows easy access to the legs for the ultrasound.

Is the ultrasound painful or does it use radiation?

No. Ultrasound is painless and uses sound waves, not radiation. A probe and gel are moved over the leg and the scan takes about 20–30 minutes per leg.

When will I get my results?

Ultrasound findings are explained on the day, with a written report to follow. The laboratory blood results typically return in about a week and are reviewed with you in the integrated private GP consultation.

What happens if a clot is found on the scan?

If a DVT is identified we arrange urgent onward care straight away — same-day communication with your GP or an urgent referral so anticoagulation can begin promptly. You are not left waiting for the blood results in that situation.

What if my cardiolipin antibodies are positive?

A single positive result is not a diagnosis. The antibodies must persist on a repeat test after 12 weeks before antiphospholipid syndrome is considered. We arrange the follow-up test and any specialist referral needed, explained through the GP review.

Is a normal result a guarantee I won’t get a clot?

No. A normal screen is reassuring but does not remove all risk — clots can still occur from surgery, immobility or dehydration. Sensible precautions on long journeys remain worthwhile for everyone.

I’m already on blood thinners — can I still be tested?

Some clotting tests can be affected by anticoagulant medication, and timing matters. Tell us at booking so the GP can advise the most useful approach for your situation.

Can I have this if I’ve had recurrent miscarriages?

Yes. Cardiolipin antibodies are part of the standard recurrent-miscarriage work-up, and depending on your history the GP may suggest a broader antiphospholipid or thrombophilia panel, which we can arrange.

Does the package include CT or MRI?

No. LPU is an ultrasound clinic, so this package uses venous ultrasound rather than CT or MRI. A suspected pulmonary embolism is a hospital emergency and needs A&E, not a scan booking.

Can the assessment be done at both clinics?

Yes. The scan and blood screen are available at our Central London clinic at 27 Welbeck Street and at our St Albans clinic at 54–56 Victoria Street. Tell us your preference at booking.

How do I book?

Three ways: online through our Semble booking system, by phone on 020 7101 3377, or by WhatsApp on 07414 165515. Same-day appointments are often available for the scan.

Who reviews this page? This patient information page was written by Mr Pedram Aghaei (Co-Founder · Content Writer, non-clinical) with AI-assisted editorial support, and reviewed for clinical accuracy by Dr Babak Soleimanpour — Medical Director, GMC-registered GP (MD · MRCGP · DRCOG).

Reviewed: 07/07/2026 · Next review due: 07/01/2027. This information is for general patient education and does not replace a medical consultation; our clinical team will explain your results and advise on suitable next steps, including GP, specialist or urgent referral where appropriate. London Private Ultrasound (Ultrasound London Limited) is registered with the Care Quality Commission and the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

Find us

Our clinics

Central London — Harley Street district

27 Welbeck Street, London W1G 8EN
Marylebone · minutes from Bond Street & Oxford Circus

020 7101 3377 · WhatsApp · Get directions →

St Albans

54–56 Victoria Street, St Albans AL1 3HZ
Hertfordshire · easy access from the M25 & Thameslink

020 7101 3377 · WhatsApp · Get directions →