What does high D-dimer indicate?

A positive D-dimer result may indicate the presence of an abnormally high level of fibrin degradation products. It indicates that there may be significant blood clot (thrombus) formation and breakdown in the body, but it does not tell the location or cause.

What can cause a positive D-dimer?

Several factors, other than PE or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), are associated with positive D-dimer results. Some, such as advanced age, malignancy, and pregnancy, have been described in the medical literature.

How do they check D-dimer?

You don’t need to do anything special to get ready for a D-dimer test. Your doctor uses a thin needle to take a small amount of blood. You’ll feel a pinch or stinging when the needle goes in. You may get some soreness or a bruise where the blood is taken, but that’s usually it.

What are the lab values for D-dimer?

D-dimer is the degradation product of crosslinked (by factor XIII) fibrin. It reflects ongoing activation of the hemostatic system. The reference concentration of D-dimer is < 250 ng/mL, or < 0.4 mcg/mL.

How is elevated D-dimer treated?

Statins have proven antithrombotic properties, as suggested by the reduction of several prothrombotic markers, including D-dimer, in patients at high risk of arterial thrombosis.

When do you get a positive D-dimer test?

Blood clots form whenever a blood vessel is damaged, whether that’s by an injury or by atherosclerosis, or when blood flow is restricted, such as by a vessel being compressed for a long time. D-dimer is normally undetectable in the blood but it is produced when the body is trying to break down a blood clot.

What kind of protein is in the D-dimer test?

At the end of all that, you have some leftover substances floating around in your blood — like how you’d have wood dust all over after a building project. One of those leftovers is called D-dimer. It’s part of a protein.

How is D-dimer used to test for blood clots?

To test for Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation: D-dimer can also be used to help test for what’s called disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) where blood clots form in small blood vessels throughout your body.

Can a D dimer test show if you have fibrin degradation?

These conditions can be very serious and even life-threatening. A D-dimer test can show if you have one of these conditions. Other names: fragment D-dimer, fibrin degradation fragment