Pathology Handbook

 New search
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z # ALL

D-Dimer

Laboratory:Haematology
Test Code:DD
Specimen Types:Plasma
Container Types:
Sodium Citrate
Collection & Request Instructions:Add exactly 2.7 mL of blood & mix by inversion.

D-Dimer in Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)

Normal D-Dimer levels (<0.5 mcg/ml FEU.) essentially exclude VTE when the clinical index of suspicion for the VTE is low. However patients with normal D-Dimer levels, but in whom there is a moderate or high clinical suspicion of thrombosis, may warrant further investigations for VTE. Elevation of D-Dimer levels (>/=0.5 mcg/ml FEU.) occurs in some clinical circumstances in addition to VTE. These include liver disease, pregnancy and increasing age. If clinical features are suggestive of venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, further investigations are warranted.

 

D-Dimer in Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)

Markedly elevated D-Dimer levels ( >/ =10 mcg/ml FEU.) are associated with DIC. Serial measurements and interpretaion in conjunction with other coagulation assays (fibrinogen, APTT and PT- INR) are recommended to monitor DIC

Specimens cannot be analysed or re-analysed greater than 8 hours after collection.

 

Transport Instructions between Sites and/or Laboratories:Room Temperature
Assay Frequency:Daily
Additional Notes:

Reference Range:  < 0.5 mcg/ml FEU.