What it means
An old bedside test once used to look for deep vein thrombosisDEEP VAYN throm-BOH-sisA blood clot in a deep vein, most often in the leg or pelvis.thromb/o clot-osis conditionFull entry (DVT). It is no longer recommended: it misses many clots and is positive in many people without one. A suspected DVT is checked with an ultrasound instead. It is named after John Homans, an American surgeon.
For the nurse
Do not rely on it. Assess the legs for one-sided swelling, warmth, redness and tenderness, compare calf sizes, and report findings so the provider can order an ultrasound.
At a glance
| Also written | Homan sign, Homan's sign, Homans' sign |
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Related terms
deep vein thrombosis
A blood clot in a deep vein, most often in the leg or pelvis.
thrombosis
The forming of a blood clot (a thrombus) inside a blood vessel or the heart.
Virchow triad
Three conditions that together promote blood clots in vessels: slowed blood flow, damage to the vessel wall, and blood that clots too easily.