Since 2003, researchers, led by Dr Martin Than have been collecting data of all patients that present to the Emergency Department with a suspected Pulmonary Embolism (PE) or Deep Vein Thrombosis. To date we have collected data on over 9500 patients resulting in the largest single hospital database for researching PE and DVT in the world.

The D-Dimer test is commonly used to help with diagnosis when patients have a suspected PE or DVT. Dr Than has recently received a research grant to set-up a computerised system for the ordering of the test which means that Christchurch Hospital will be only one of a few centres in the world that is using this technology.The system will enable us to streamline test ordering, capture more data on patients requiring testing and eventually help doctors with patient diagnosis.