At some institutions, lower extremity ultrasound (LEUS) is performed routinely to screen for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) prior to sequential compression device (SCD) application. We set out to evaluate whether screening for DVT with LEUS is warranted prior to SCD application in critically ill adults with contraindications to anticoagulation. A total of 257 critically ill adults, who underwent LEUS screening prior to SCD application, were identified retrospectively using vascular laboratory records. Outcomes and delay in SCD application associated with screening for DVT were determined. Asymptomatic DVT risk factors were assessed using multivariable regression. Asymptomatic DVT prevalence was 7%. Significant predictors of DVT included prior DVT (OR=47.4, 95% CI: 3.91–575.4), thrombophilia (OR=20.2, 95% CI: 3.2–126.8) and recent surgery (OR=4.1, 95% CI: 1.1–14.9). SCDs were applied on average 4.4 days (SD=7.0) after ordering LEUS. Fourteen LEUS were needed to detect one asymptomatic DVT. The mortality rate was not significantly different between patients with and without asymptomatic DVT. Screening for asymptomatic DVT with LEUS prior to SCD application in critically ill patients with contraindications to anticoagulation is associated with a delay in applying SCDs, and no proven benefits. Better assessment of DVT predictors in this population could identify patients who may benefit from screening.