What is the Pre-Travel Screen (DVT)?

The Pre-Travel Screen (DVT) is a targeted blood test panel designed to assess risk factors associated with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), particularly before long-haul flights or extended travel.

This screen includes:

• Full Blood Count (FBC)

• Factor II Prothrombin – G20210A mutation

• Factor V Leiden – G1691A mutation

• Anticardiolipin Antibodies

Together, these markers assess blood composition, inherited clotting tendencies, and autoimmune clotting risk that may increase susceptibility to venous thrombosis during periods of immobility.

Why do I need a Pre-Travel DVT Screen?

Prolonged immobility during long flights or travel increases the risk of blood clots, especially in individuals with underlying clotting disorders. Many people are unaware they carry genetic or autoimmune risk factors.

This screen helps identify those at higher risk so appropriate preventive strategies can be considered before travel.

You may benefit from this test if you:

• Are planning long-haul or frequent flights

• Have a personal or family history of blood clots

• Have experienced unexplained DVT or pulmonary embolism

• Use hormonal contraception or HRT

• Are pregnant or recently postpartum

• Have autoimmune conditions

• Have had recurrent miscarriages

• Want reassurance before extended travel

Benefits of the Pre-Travel Screen (DVT)

1. Assesses inherited clotting risk
   Identifies common genetic mutations linked to thrombosis.

2. Screens for autoimmune clotting factors
   Anticardiolipin antibodies help assess immune-related clot risk.

3. Supports safer travel planning
   Helps guide preventive strategies before flights.

4. Useful for family risk assessment
   Identifies inherited tendencies that may affect relatives.

5. Relevant for hormonal therapy users
   Important when using contraceptives or HRT.

6. Supports pregnancy-related risk evaluation
   Useful in individuals with pregnancy-related clot risk.

7. Provides clarity before long-haul travel
   Offers reassurance or identifies need for extra precautions.

8. Non-invasive clot risk assessment
   Requires only a blood sample.

Step-by-step – how we offer Pre-Travel DVT testing

Clinic-based testing (UK-wide)

• Choose your nearest UK clinic

• Attend your appointment

• Blood sample collected by a qualified clinician or phlebotomist

• Sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis

At-home or hotel testing (+£60)

• A qualified phlebotomist visits your home or hotel

• Blood sample collected in a comfortable, familiar setting

• No clinic visit or travel required

Both services are available UK-wide.

Your Pre-Travel DVT Screen results explained

No clotting risk factors detected

Results indicate no detectable inherited mutations or autoimmune antibodies associated with increased clotting risk. This suggests a lower baseline risk of travel-related DVT.

Standard travel precautions are usually sufficient.

UK reference interpretation:

• Negative: No mutations or antibodies detected

Inherited clotting mutation detected

Detection of Factor V Leiden or Prothrombin G20210A mutation indicates an inherited tendency toward increased clot formation. Risk varies depending on whether one or two gene copies are affected.

Preventive strategies may be considered before long travel.

UK reference interpretation:

• Positive: Mutation detected

Autoimmune clotting antibodies detected

Positive anticardiolipin antibodies suggest immune-related clotting risk. Persistent positivity may be associated with antiphospholipid syndrome.

Further clinical correlation may be advised.

UK reference interpretation:

• Positive: Antibodies detected