What is the D-Dimer test? Why is the test done? Everything around this, that you should know, in this post, and of course our doctors are always there to help you. Just fill in your details in the form below and we will answer all your questions for FREE!
What is D-Dimer?
D-dimer is a specific degradation product released into the circulation when cross-linked fibrin undergoes endogenous fibrinolysis.
Also Read: APTT
What is the D-dimer test?
The D-dimer test is useful to rule out the presence of blood clots in circulation.
What is the average value of the D-dimer test?
The normal value of Didimer is Less than 0.5ug/mL (0.5mg/L).
Why D-dimer test is done?
A D-dimer test is usually done to rule out blood clotting disorders like:
- Pulmonary Embolism
- Myocardial infarction
- Stroke
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation
What symptoms indicate the blood clotting disorder?
- Oedema of legs
- Pain in the legs
- Discolouration of the skin of limbs
- Chest pain
- Cough
- Difficult breathing
- Fainting etc.
What does it mean if the D-dimer is high?
An elevated D-dimer is of limited value, as may be raised in a variety of conditions including:
- Pulmonary embolism
- Myocardial infarction
- Pneumonia
- sepsis
What does it mean if the D-dimer is low?
Low levels ( <0.5 ug/mL), particularly where clinical risk is low, have a high negative predictive value and further investigation is usually unnecessary.
What investigation is required again if the D-dimer is abnormal?
D-dimer usually comes higher in blood clotting disorders. But for the confirmation imaging tests are required.
- Imaging tests include:
- Doppler ultrasound
- CT angiography
- Lung ventilation Perfusion.
