Home›D-Dimer

Content created by

Written by

PGDHHM, BDS

Reviewed by

Dr. Swati Gupta (Anand)

MD Lab Medicine, MBBS

Want to know more?
Read our Editorial Policy

D-Dimer

Also known as Fragment D-dimer, Fibrin degradation fragment

₹1200

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

A duly filled coagulation requisition form (Annexure - CR/05) is mandatory for sample collection.
Kindly provide complete clinical details and medication history or doctor's prescription; this information is important for correlation of your test results.

Understanding D-Dimer

What is D-Dimer?

A D-Dimer test detects the presence of D-dimer, a protein fragment produced when a blood clot dissolves in the body. This test helps diagnose and monitor conditions related to blood clot formation, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), stroke and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).

During an injury, the body uses proteins to clot the blood and stop bleeding. Once the bleeding stops, the body sends other proteins to break down the clot slowly. D-dimer is a protein fragment generated during the breakdown of blood clots. A D-Dimer test determines the presence of D-dimer and helps assess the blood clot formation and breakdown in the body.

This test may be needed in individuals presenting with symptoms suggestive of blood clots, such as leg swelling, pain, redness, shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, or signs of abnormal bleeding. Higher than normal D-dimer levels can indicate the presence of an active blood clot, and hence, a D-Dimer test helps diagnose or rule out blood clot-related conditions such as DVT, PE, stroke, and DIC. Sometimes, this test is also used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for these conditions. In addition, a D-dimer test also helps understand the risk and progression in cases of pneumonia and COVID-19.

No fasting is required for this profile test. You can eat and drink normally as per your routine. However, a duly filled coagulation requisition form is mandatory for sample collection. Before getting tested, let your doctor know if you are taking any medications, as they might interfere with the test results, and you may have to stop taking them for some time.

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results to understand your condition, and narrate your complete medical history to your doctor to help formulate an effective treatment plan.

What is D-Dimer used for?

A D-Dimer test is done:

To detect the presence of an inappropriate blood clot (thrombus).
If symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), such as pain, swelling, discolored skin of the legs with surfaced and enlarged veins, etc., are observed.
If symptoms of pulmonary embolism (PE), such as shortness of breath, coughing, back pain, pain in the chest, fast heart rate, and dizziness, are experienced.
If symptoms of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), such as nausea, vomiting, seizures, bleeding gums, and muscular and abdominal pain, are observed.
To rule out blood clotting caused by snake bite, thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS), and stroke.

What does D-Dimer measure?

A D-Dimer test measures the amount of D-dimer protein your body produces when a blood clot begins to break down. It is a byproduct of the blood clotting and clot break-down process that can be measured by analyzing a blood sample. D-dimer is typically undetectable in the blood and is produced only after a clot has formed and is broken down.

Interpreting D-Dimer results

Interpretations

A "negative" D-dimer result (D-dimer levels below a predetermined value) means that the person being tested has no 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.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about D-Dimer

Frequently Asked Questions about D-Dimer

Q. What are the symptoms that may be associated with high D-dimer levels?

When your D-dimer protein is high, you may experience swelling, pain, warmth, and changes in the skin color of your leg or arm; sharp chest pain; trouble breathing; coughing up blood; or a fast heartbeat.

Q. Do I need to fast before taking the D-Dimer test?

No fasting is required for this test. You can schedule it at your convenience without avoiding food or water beforehand.

Q. What causes a rise in D-dimer level?

A clot anywhere in the body can cause elevated D-dimer levels. Usually, after an injury, once the bleeding stops, the body sends out other proteins to slowly break down the clot. Afterward, the fragments of D-dimer remain inside your blood. These fragments usually dissolve over time. However, if the blood clots do not dissolve after an injury heals, it can cause D-dimer levels to increase.

Q. What if my D-dimer test report shows high levels?

If your D-dimer test shows high levels, it may suggest that you might have a blood clot or blood clotting problems. Talk to your doctor about your test results. Your doctor may order imaging tests like Doppler ultrasound and CT angiography to determine whether you have a clotting disorder.

Q. What factors can affect my test results?

Your D-dimer levels may be higher in a few other health conditions, such as infection, heart attack (myocardial infarction), liver disease, cancer, and injury.

Q. Can pregnancy affect D-Dimer levels?

Yes, pregnancy can cause an increase in D-Dimer levels, especially in the third trimester. This is a normal physiological response but makes interpreting D-Dimer levels more complex during pregnancy.

Q. What is deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and its symptoms?

DVT is a condition that occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one or more of the deep veins in the body, usually in the legs. Symptoms of DVT may include swelling, pain, tenderness, and red or discolored skin in the affected area, usually the legs.

Q. What is pulmonary embolism (PE) and its symptoms?

A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blood clot that develops in a blood vessel, travels to the lungs, and stays there. Symptoms of PE can include shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, or coughing up blood.

+ more