Making the Diagnosis
To diagnose thrombophlebitis, doctors will take a medical history (asking
about symptoms) and do a physical examination. As well, an ultrasound of
the suspected veins will be done to confirm the diagnosis. For deep venous thrombophlebitis,
doctors look for signs of swelling and enlargement of the calf (due to swollen
leg veins). A diagnosis of DVT is usually confirmed by x-ray using radiopaque
dye or with a Doppler test. This is an ultrasound test that detects differences
in echoes or sounds made by flowing blood. It can easily detect the presence
of blood clots in deep veins.