Some individuals may try an alkaline diet filled with fruits, vegetables and whole grains in order to prevent harmful blood clots. Now, scientists have found a way to catch the potentially life-threatening predicament with a single ultrasound.

According to a new study published in the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA), scientists have been able to find a blood clot in the leg of many patients with one ultrasound, negating the reasons for multiple tests over a three month period.

Scientists believe this will lead to a more effective way of treating the problem, because if blood clots go untreated, they could be potentially fatal to the patients.

The researchers are quick to point out that this form of testing may not work on everyone, and that some individuals may require a more invasive testing procedure.

“In summary, withholding anticoagulation following a single negative whole-leg compression ultrasound (CUS) result was associated with a low risk for venous thromboembolism during 3-month follow-up in patients with suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT),” the authors wrote.