Key result
Point-of-care D-dimer plus a clinical decision rule safely rules out DVT, cutting ultrasound referrals ~50%.
Why the study?
In primary care patients with suspected DVT, the accuracy and cost effectiveness of a point-of-care D-dimer assay combined with a decision rule for ruling out DVT were uncertain.
Does a point-of-care D-dimer assay combined with a decision rule accurately rule out DVT, and is this strategy cost effective in patients presenting in primary care with suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
Does a point-of-care D-dimer assay combined with a decision rule accurately rule out DVT, and is this strategy cost effective in patients presenting in primary care with suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
Combining a point-of-care D-dimer test with a clinical decision rule safely rules out DVT in primary care, potentially halving unnecessary ultrasound referrals.
May support point-of-care D-dimer plus decision rule to halve referrals in suspected primary care DVT; leaves open need for prospective trials.
Clinical QuestionIn patients presenting in primary care with suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT), does a point-of-care D-dimer assay combined with a decision rule accurately rule out DVT, and is this strategy cost effective?
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Plüddemann et al. (2012) conducted a review in Suspected deep vein thrombosis. Point-of-care D-dimer test combined with a clinical decision rule vs. Referral for ultrasonography was evaluated on Reduction in referrals for ultrasonography. Using a point-of-care D-dimer test combined with a clinical decision rule can safely rule out deep vein thrombosis, reducing unnecessary referrals for ultrasonography by approximately 50%.
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