D-Dimer Test

What is a D-dimer Test?

D-dimer test is a simple laboratory test that measures the amount of a certain protein fragment (D-dimer) in a sample of blood. D-dimer is the result of blood clot breakdown, and is found in the blood only when someone has a certain type of disease or condition.

Why is a D-dimer Test Done?

D-dimer test is used to detect the presence of dangerous blood clots in the body. It is used to help diagnose or rule out deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and other disorders that cause the formation of dangerous blood clots.

Preparation for D-dimer Test

No special preparation is usually required for a D-dimer test. Patients should tell their doctor about any recent medical treatments, surgeries, and any current medications they are taking, as these may affect the results of the D-dimer test.

Procedure of D-dimer Test

A health care professional will draw a sample of blood from the patient's arm. The sample is sent to a laboratory to be analyzed and the results will be reported to the doctor.

Types of D-dimer Tests

The most common type of D-dimer test is the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The ELISA test is a highly sensitive test that can detect small amounts of D-dimer in the blood. Other types of D-dimer tests include the lateral flow assay and the particle-enhanced immunoturbidimetric assay.

Risks of D-dimer Test

There are no known risks associated with a D-dimer test. The only risk is the small risk of infection or bruising associated with the blood draw.

When is a D-dimer Test Recommended?

A D-dimer test is recommended when a patient is suspected to have a disorder that may be related to the formation of dangerous blood clots. This could include deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or other clot-related disorders. It is also recommended for people at high risk of developing blood clots.