New Patient Guide

Last updated Dec. 15, 2025

If you have been diagnosed with a blood clot, you know that this is a life-changing experience and can be upsetting and confusing. You may be asking yourself: What is a blood clot? How did this happen to me? Will I be okay? Will my life ever be the same?

The National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) developed this guide in English and Spanish for newly diagnosed patients and their caregivers to help answer common questions and provide the resources to help you navigate life, post-diagnosis.


What is in the New Patient Guide?

  • What is a Blood Clot?
  • Blood Clotting Disorders (Thrombophilia)
  • Genetic Testing for Thrombophilia
  • Blood Clot Recovery Timeline
  • Medical Team
  • Blood Clot Treatment
  • INR Testing
  • How to Prevent a Recurrence
  • Blood Clot Complications
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Questions to Ask Your Doctor
  • FAQs
  • NBCA Resources

New Patient Resource Guide

Download this guide now.

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New Patient Resource Guide (Spanish)

Descarga esta guía en español.

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Order Copies for Your Clinic! 

Hard copies are available in English and Spanish.

If you are a healthcare provider or part of a hospital or organization who sees VTE patients, get hard copies of our New Patient Guide in English or Spanish for your clinic at no charge – just pay shipping. Blood clot patients receive little to no information after a diagnosis in the hospitalyou can help change that! It’s easy:

  1. Order a minimum of 10 guides from our webstore (choose English or Spanish)
  2. Just pay for shipping

NBCA Additional Resources

NBCA is here for you. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to send an email to info@stoptheclot.org. You can also connect with NBCA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Join our NBCA Facebook support group or register for our monthly virtual patient support group, PEP Talk: Patients Educating Patients to learn how.


Website Resources


Help Us Improve Our Patient Resources!


This new patient guide does not replace medical advice. Please consult your physician if you have any medical questions.

Questions? Email: info@stoptheclot.org

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