British scientists have discovered a fast, accurate way to detect the potentially fatal deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can occur during long-distance flights, the BBC's online news service has reported.
The sophisticated scanning method uses magnetic resonance direct thrombosis imaging (MRDTI) to reveal blood clots.
This removes the need to use invasive techniques to monitor blood flow to detect a blockage.
The current method of detecting DVT involves the use of venography, where a catheter is inserted into a vein, and ultrasound.
MRDTI is said to be very sensitive and allows radiologists to diagnose and treat the condition at a very early stage, before symptoms such as leg pains develop.
The discovery of the new method could have an impact on the aviation industry and its insurers, who have expressed fears that a flood of DVT claims could damage the industry in the way asbestosis claims have done.
The link between DVT and flights lasting more than eight hours was first noted in the Lancet Journal in 1968. Airlines have been accused of ignoring the problem.
