There is limited time for investigations in such patients, because of the need to treatment them quickly.
- Blood tests (FBC, U&Es, Glucose, Group & Save, Clotting screen)
- ECG (to establish if the patient has AF or evidence of acute cardiac event)
- Imaging: diagnosis is usually clinical and patients are often taken to theatre without detailed imaging investigations because of a narrow window for salvaging the limb. Occasionally Duplex US/CT angiogram may be required if there is uncertainty or need to establish site of thrombus. However, the decision to perform these tests should be rest with the senior doctor (as these tests take up valuable time that will delay treatment)
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