PE Clinical Probability

The diagnostic accuracy for PE improves when the clinical probability is estimated before the use diagnostic tests. It is important to note that, when using the scoring system by itself, PE cannot be ruled out completely in patients with a low probability score or confirmed in patients with a high probability score. However, use of such a score can help inform interpretation of subsequent diagnostic tests and reduce the need for invasive testing. For instance, in one study, the combination of a low clinical probability and a negative d-dimer result was able to exclude PE without further diagnostic imaging. Because multiple D-dimer assays are available, physicians should ensure that a proven high-sensitivity assay is available and that the test has been validated/audited in their institution.