D-Dimer Test and Its Clinical Significance
Medically Reviewed
Hematology

D-Dimer Test and Its Clinical Significance

Learn about the D-dimer test, its purpose, and significance. Understand elevated D-dimer levels, normal ranges, and how this test helps in diagnosing conditions like thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

By Dayyal Dg.
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D Dimer Blood Test Sample
Blood sample for D-dimer test.

The D-dimer (or D dimer) is a fibrin degradation product resulting from the breakdown of fibrin by the enzyme plasmin. The D-dimer test is a diagnostic tool used to assess the extent of fibrin degradation in the body. This test can be performed using either serum or plasma samples.

The procedure involves mixing the patient’s blood sample with latex or polystyrene microparticles that are coated with a monoclonal antibody specific to D-dimer. The presence of D-dimer in the sample is detected through the agglutination of these microparticles. Due to the small size of the particles, automated instruments can measure the turbidity of the sample to determine the endpoint of the test.

Elevated levels of D-dimer and Fibrinogen/Fibrin Degradation Products (FDPs) are associated with various medical conditions. These include disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), intravascular thrombosis such as myocardial infarction, stroke, venous thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism. Additionally, D-dimer levels may rise following surgery or trauma. Consequently, the D-dimer test is often employed to rule out thrombosis and to assess thrombotic risk.

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Dayyal Dg.. “D-Dimer Test and Its Clinical Significance.” BioScience. BioScience ISSN 2521-5760, 03 August 2017. <https://www.bioscience.com.pk/en/topics/hematology/test-for-d-dimer>. Dayyal Dg.. (2017, August 03). “D-Dimer Test and Its Clinical Significance.” BioScience. ISSN 2521-5760. Retrieved September 18, 2024 from https://www.bioscience.com.pk/en/topics/hematology/test-for-d-dimer Dayyal Dg.. “D-Dimer Test and Its Clinical Significance.” BioScience. ISSN 2521-5760. https://www.bioscience.com.pk/en/topics/hematology/test-for-d-dimer (accessed September 18, 2024).
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