D-Dimer
From Health Facts
Latest Edit: Hector 2014-03-24 (EDT)
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This test is specific and used to confirm disseminated intravascular coagulation.[1]
Discussion
- D-dimer is a fibrin degradation fragment that is made through fibrinolysis
- D-dimer assay is a highly specific measurement of the amount of fibrin degradation that occurs
- Although the D-dimer assay is more specific than the FDP (fragment degradation product), it is less sensitive. Therefore, combining the FDP and D-dimer test provides a more sensitive and specific test for DIC.
- Levels of D-dimer can increase when a fibrin clot is lysed by thrombolytic therapy or with thrombotic problems such as deep-vein thrombosis or pumonary embolism.
Patient Preparation
- No fasting required.
Clinical Implications
High levels indicate:
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation
- Intermittent Claudication
- Primary fibrinolysis
- During thrombolytic or defibrination therapy
- Deep-vein thrombosis
- Pulmonary embolism
- Arterial thromboembolism
- Vaso-occlusive crisis of sickle cell anemia
- Pregnancy
- Malignancy
- Surgery
Associated Tests
- Bleeding time, Thrombin time, Prothrombin Time, Coagulating factor concentration, Partial thromboplastin time, Fibrin degradation product, Euglobulin lysis time
References
- ↑ Pagana Kathleen D, Pagana Timothy J (2006) Mosby's Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests, Mosby.
