D-Dimer

₹400

This test is for

Male, Female

Earliest reports in

18 hours

Test Preparation

A duly filled coagulation requisition form is mandatory for sample collection.
Overnight fasting is preferred.

Understanding D-Dimer

What is D-Dimer?

D-Dimer test looks for the presence of D-Dimer, a protein fragment which forms when a blood clot dissolves, in blood. This test is used for the diagnosis of blood clotting disorders, pulmonary embolism, and deep vein thrombosis. The test is often done when someone has symptoms such as difficulty breathing and chest pain.

If your results show levels greater than normal, you may have to connect with your doctor to find out if you have a clotting disorder or any other medical condition.

What is D-Dimer used for?

D-dimer test is used to detect the presence of an inappropriate blood clot (thrombus). Some of the conditions that the D-dimer test is used to help rule out include:
-Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
-Pulmonary embolism (PE)
-Stroke

What does D-Dimer measure?

D-dimer testing is usually ordered when someone goes to the hospital with symptoms such as chest pain and difficulty in breathing. A D-dimer test may be ordered when someone has symptoms of deep vein thrombosis, such as:
-Leg pain or tenderness, usually in one leg
-Leg swelling, edema
-Discoloration of the leg

This test may also be ordered when someone has symptoms of pulmonary embolism such as:

-Rapid heart rate
-Sudden shortness of breath, forced breathing
-Coughing hemoptysis (blood present in sputum)
-Lung-related chest pain

Interpreting D-Dimer results

Interpretations

A “negative” D-dimer result (D-dimer levels below a predetermined value) means that the person being tested does not have an acute condition or disease-causing abnormal clot formation and breakdown in the body.

A "positive" D-dimer result may indicate that there may be a significant blood clot (thrombus) formation and breakdown in the body by detecting the presence of an abnormally high level of fibrin degradation products.

Frequently Asked Questions about D-Dimer

Q. What do the results mean?

If your D-dimer level is low or normal D-dimer, it means you probably don't have a clotting disorder. If your results is higher than normal, it may indicate a clotting disorder. Also, high D-dimer levels are not always caused by clotting problems. Other conditions like pregnancy, heart disease, and recent surgery can also cause high D-dimer levels.

Q. What happens if my test levels are high?

If your D-dimer test results are high, your doctor may order imaging tests like Doppler ultrasound, and CT angiography etc. to find out if you have a clotting disorder.

Q. Is there any risk associated with this test?

There is no risk associated with the test. However, since this test involves a needle prick to withdraw the blood sample, in very rare cases, a patient may experience increased bleeding, hematoma formation (blood collection under the skin), bruising or infection at the site of needle prick.

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