Features

• The first step in diagnosing a blood clot is recognizing the signs and symptoms of the condition. After symptoms are recognized, doctors perform various diagnostic tests to locate the blood clot.
  
  

Symptoms

• Blood clots in the lungs or heart typically cause chest pain and shortness of breath, while a blood clot that has traveled to your brain is likely to cause numbness on one side of your body. In your legs, symptoms of blood clots include swelling, tenderness around one of your veins, sharp pain when you flex your foot upwards, redness, warmth, aching or tightness in your calf when you walk and widening of your veins.
  
  

Types of Diagnostic Tests

• Tests used to detect blood clots include X-rays, MRIs or magnetic resonance imaging, computerized tomograpy (CT) scans and ultrasounds. If the blood clot is likely in your heart, your doctor may also order an electrocardiogram, according to MediResource.
  
  

Time Frame

• The diagnostic tests used for diagnosing blood clots typically take between 30 and 60 minutes to complete, according to St. Luke's Hospital. Normally, you do not receive the results of your diagnostic rest immediately.
  
  

Interpretation

• The tests used to diagnose blood clots produce images of the structures in your body, which a radiologist studies for the presence of blood clots. If a clot is located, the radiologist reports the clot to your doctor, so a treatment plan can be devised to break-up the clot.