Ambulatory doppler USS for DVT via SDEC

SJH Emergency Medicine
NHS Lothian

If you see a patient with suspected DVT and are unable to get a doppler ultrasound in the same day, then patients can be referred to SDEC for follow-up including Doppler USS.

Capacity is limited in SDEC so if the patient presents in-hours then please try to deal with the problem at the time.

SDEC has four scanning slots per day – 11:00, 11:15, 13:30 and 13:45

SDEC commonly is unable to offer next day scanning due to demand on services.

To book a patient in to SDEC for Doppler USS:

  1. Ensure the patient is suitable for ambulation - see the DVT page on the handbook for the guideline
  2. Organise SDEC appointment via ED reception staff
  3. Request doppler USS on TRAK, including a note that the patient will be returning to SDEC
  4. Take a contact number for the patient and advise them that they will get a phone call in the morning to confirm a slot or scan.  Please set realistic expectations and inform patient that the scan may not be the following day.
  5. Document a weight
  6. Ensure that the patient has been treated for the DVT - as of November 2023 this is preferably with apixaban, however the alternative is dalteparin (see the DVT protocol page)

If there is no ‘scanning’ slot available then do not tell the patient they will get a scan.

If we are referring to SDEC then we do not need to worry about post-scanning follow-up etc.

Please note that this pathway only works on weekdays.

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 08/04/2025

Next review date: 08/04/2027

Author(s): Andrew Stevenson.

Author email(s): Andrew.stevenson@nhs.scot.

Reviewer name(s): Andrew Stevenson, Deepankar Datta.