Question 1

What is Pulmonary Embolism (PE)?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening condition where a blood clot blocks one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs. It is caused by blood clots that typically form in the deep veins of the legs and travel to the lungs, often due to genetic clotting disorders like Factor V Leiden mutation. The Factor V Leiden Mutation Analysis is the most important test for assessing inherited clotting risk and preventing future pulmonary embolism episodes.

Question 2

What causes pulmonary embolism?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary embolism is caused by blood clots that form in the deep veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis) and break loose to travel through the bloodstream to the lungs. These clots block pulmonary arteries, preventing oxygen-rich blood from reaching lung tissue. Risk factors include genetic clotting disorders like Factor V Leiden mutation, prolonged immobility during long flights or bed rest, recent surgery, pregnancy, birth control pills, smoking, cancer, and inherited blood clotting conditions that create a hypercoagulable state in the body.

Question 3

What is the best test for pulmonary embolism risk?

Accepted Answer

The Factor V Leiden Mutation Analysis is the most important blood test for assessing inherited pulmonary embolism risk because it detects the most common genetic clotting disorder that predisposes people to developing blood clots. This genetic test identifies whether you carry the Factor V Leiden mutation, which creates a hypercoagulable state and significantly increases your likelihood of forming dangerous blood clots that can travel to the lungs. While pulmonary embolism itself is diagnosed through imaging studies like CT angiography, the Factor V Leiden test is essential for understanding your underlying genetic risk, guiding long-term prevention strategies, and determining appropriate anticoagulation therapy duration after a PE event.

Question 4

When should I get tested for pulmonary embolism risk?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have experienced an unexplained blood clot or pulmonary embolism, especially at a young age (under 50). Testing is also important if you have a family history of blood clots or pulmonary embolism, have had recurrent clotting episodes, or are planning pregnancy or starting birth control pills and have clotting concerns. Get tested before major surgery if you have a personal or family history of abnormal clotting, or if you have experienced a blood clot during pregnancy or while taking hormonal medications.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of pulmonary embolism?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary embolism symptoms include sudden shortness of breath that worsens with exertion, sharp chest pain that feels worse when you breathe deeply or cough, and rapid heart rate. You might experience coughing up blood, feeling lightheaded or dizzy, excessive sweating, leg pain or swelling (usually in one leg), and bluish discoloration of the lips or nails. Some people experience anxiety or a sense of impending doom. Pulmonary embolism is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention, so call 911 if you experience these symptoms suddenly.

Question 6

Who is at risk for pulmonary embolism?

Accepted Answer

People with genetic clotting disorders like Factor V Leiden mutation, those who have had recent surgery or trauma, and individuals on prolonged bed rest or long flights are at increased risk. Other high-risk groups include pregnant women and new mothers, people taking birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, smokers, cancer patients, and those with a personal or family history of blood clots. Obesity, advanced age, heart disease, and certain autoimmune conditions also elevate pulmonary embolism risk significantly.

Question 7

What happens if pulmonary embolism risk is left unaddressed?

Accepted Answer

Untreated pulmonary embolism can cause sudden death, permanent lung damage, and chronic pulmonary hypertension where blood pressure in the lungs remains dangerously high. Large clots can strain the right side of your heart, leading to heart failure and death. Even smaller clots can cause lasting damage to lung tissue, reducing your oxygen levels and exercise capacity permanently. People with undiagnosed genetic clotting disorders face recurrent blood clots throughout their lives, with each episode increasing the risk of fatal complications and long-term disability.

Question 8

Can pulmonary embolism risk be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests cannot diagnose an active pulmonary embolism, which requires imaging studies like CT pulmonary angiography or ventilation-perfusion scans. However, blood tests are essential for identifying genetic risk factors that predispose you to developing pulmonary embolism. The Factor V Leiden Mutation Analysis detects the most common inherited clotting disorder, while D-dimer blood tests can help rule out active clotting in emergency situations. Genetic blood testing is crucial for assessing your long-term risk and guiding prevention strategies to avoid future pulmonary embolism episodes.

Question 9

How is pulmonary embolism treated?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary embolism is treated with anticoagulant medications (blood thinners) like heparin, warfarin, or newer direct oral anticoagulants that prevent existing clots from growing and stop new clots from forming. Severe cases may require thrombolytic drugs that dissolve clots quickly or surgical removal of large, life-threatening clots. Some patients need inferior vena cava filters implanted to catch clots before they reach the lungs. Treatment duration depends on clot cause and whether you have genetic clotting disorders, ranging from three months to lifelong anticoagulation therapy.

Question 10

How can I prevent pulmonary embolism?

Accepted Answer

Prevent pulmonary embolism by staying active and avoiding prolonged sitting during long flights or car trips by walking every two hours and doing leg exercises. Maintain a healthy weight, quit smoking, and stay well-hydrated. If you have genetic clotting disorders, work with your doctor on appropriate anticoagulation strategies before high-risk situations like surgery or pregnancy. Wear compression stockings during long travel, elevate your legs when resting, and consider blood thinners if you are at high risk. Know your family history and get genetic testing if blood clots run in your family.

Question 11

What can I do at home to support recovery from pulmonary embolism?

Accepted Answer

After pulmonary embolism, take your prescribed blood thinners exactly as directed and attend all follow-up appointments to monitor your clotting levels. Gradually increase physical activity as approved by your doctor to improve circulation and lung function. Wear compression stockings to prevent leg swelling and reduce the risk of new clots forming. Avoid activities that could cause injury and bleeding while on blood thinners, stay well-hydrated, and maintain a consistent diet if you are taking warfarin. Watch for signs of bleeding or new clots and report them immediately to your healthcare provider.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Pulmonary Embolism Blood Test

What is Pulmonary Embolism (PE)?

What causes pulmonary embolism?

What is the best test for pulmonary embolism risk?

When should I get tested for pulmonary embolism risk?

References

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