Transient Ischaemic attack Emergency Referral (TIER): randomised feasibility trial results.

Background: Early assessment of patients with suspected transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is crucial to provision of effective care, including initiation of preventive therapies and identification of stroke mimics. Many patients with TIA present to emergency medical services (EMS) but may not require hospitalisation. Paramedics could identify and refer patients with low-risk TIA, without conveyance to the ED.

Evaluation of the Simplify D-dimer assay as a screening test for the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis in an emergency department.

Objectives: To evaluate the use in an emergency department of a new D-dimer assay (Simplify D-dimer) as a screening test for deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Methods: 187 outpatients with clinical features suspicious of acute DVT were entered into this study. A Simplify D-dimer test was performed in the emergency department on all patients.