What is a common simple test for assessing DVT?

Homan's sign is a traditional physical examination test used to assess for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This sign is checked by dorsiflexing the foot (bending it upward) while the knee is straight. If this maneuver results in pain in the calf or popliteal region, it is considered a positive Homan's sign, which may suggest the presence of DVT.

While this method has been frequently used in clinical practice, it is essential to note that Homan's sign is not highly specific or sensitive for diagnosing DVT, as it may result in false positives for other conditions. Nonetheless, it remains a widely recognized test in the initial assessment of potential DVT.

Other methods, such as the capillary refill test, thigh circumference measurement, and blood pressure monitoring, are not standard tests for DVT assessment. The capillary refill test primarily assesses peripheral perfusion, thigh circumference measurement can indicate swelling but is less specific to DVT, and blood pressure monitoring is used for assessing cardiovascular health rather than venous abnormalities. Consequently, these alternatives cannot reliably assess the presence of DVT as Homan's sign does.