Our Emergency Department is very busy right now and some people are experiencing long waits. If you do not require emergency care, please use an alternative such as 111 online.
Please contact the thrombosis nurse from Acute Medical Ambulatory Care (AMAC) on the telephone number below at 9am the next day, so that you can be given a time and date to attend for follow up.
Call the thrombosis nurse on: 01226 431328
You will be given a small injection of a blood thinner (anticoagulant) into the skin of your abdomen.
Please ensure that you bring the treatment sheet given to you in the Emergency Department, to your appointment.
What will happen when I see the Thrombosis nurse?
If a PE is suspected then you will most likely need to have a type of scan called a computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA), of the lungs.
For this scan you will be asked to lie down while you have an injection of approximately 100 millimetres of liquid.
This is given via a cannula (a small needle) in your arm which is left in while the injection is slowly given.
The scanning machine looks like a big “polo mint” but only your chest area will go into the machine.
The result of the scan may take up to 4 hours to become available.
How is a pulmonary embolism treated?
If the scan shows a blood clot, the doctor may prescribe a blood thinner (anticoagulant).
This is prescribed to help reduce the risk of the clot enlarging, or a further clot forming.
What should I do if I feel worse?
If you feel more unwell after you are at home, you must return to the Emergency Department.
If you need this information in an alternative format, please contact the Patient Experience and Engagement Team on: 01226 434922
Reviewed by Dr T Shaw in October 2022, next review in October 2024.
