Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) in Primary Care : Triage Questionnaire

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) represents a significant public health concern, particularly in primary care settings where early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent complications such as pulmonary embolism (PE) and post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). The epidemiology of DVT in primary care is characterized by a relatively low incidence, estimated at 1-2 per 1000 individuals annually, but the condition remains underdiagnosed due to its often asymptomatic nature and the challenges in clinical assessment (Nothnagel, 2024).

In the context of primary care, the integration of point-of-care testing (POCT) for D-dimer levels has emerged as a pivotal diagnostic tool. D-dimer is a fibrin degradation product that is typically elevated in the presence of thrombotic events. The utility of D-dimer testing lies in its ability to rule out DVT when results are negative, particularly when combined with clinical scoring systems (Janssen et al., 2011; Michiels et al., 2017). Recent studies have validated various point-of-care D-dimer tests, demonstrating their effectiveness in excluding DVT without the need for more invasive procedures (Geersing et al., 2010). For instance, a multicenter study highlighted the feasibility of general practitioners performing compression ultrasonography (US) alongside D-dimer testing, which can expedite diagnosis and treatment initiation (Mumoli et al.,...