A D-dimer test is a blood test that looks for a protein called D-dimer. If the test comes back positive, it means you have a blood clotting disorder and need to be seen by your doctor. The D-dimer test is often used to find out if someone has deep vein thrombosis, also known as DVT. This can happen when blood clots from the leg travel through the body until they get stuck in the lungs.
What is a D-dimer test?
A D dimer test is a blood test that measures the level of a substance called fibrin degradation products (FDPs). FDPs are proteins that are produced when fibrin, a protein involved in blood clotting, is broken down. The level of FDPs in the blood can be increased when there is inflammation or damage to blood vessels, as well as during pregnancy and after surgery.
The D-dimer test is used to help diagnose conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and other clotting disorders. It can also be used to rule out these conditions in people who have symptoms that could be caused by them.
The test is usually done by taking a sample of blood from a vein in your arm and sending it to a lab for analysis. The results of the test are usually available within a few days.
How does a D-dimer test work?
A D-dimer test is a blood test that measures a protein fragment that is released when a blood clot dissolves. This protein is called D-dimer. A high level of D-dimer in the blood may be a sign of serious illness, such as cancer, heart disease, or stroke.
When part of a clot breaks off and enters the bloodstream, it triggers the release of plasmin. Plasmin is an enzyme that helps dissolve clots. As plasmin does its job, it also breaks down fibrin, which is a protein that gives blood clots their structure. One byproduct of this breakdown is D-dimer.Â
D-dimer tests are usually done to rule out the possibility of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). These conditions can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. The test may also be used to check for other conditions that can cause an elevated D-dimer level, such as:
- cancer
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Pregnancy
- Sickle cell disease
How are results interpreted?
When a D-dimer test is performed, the results are interpreted by looking at the levels of D-dimer in the blood. If the levels of D-dimer are high, it may be an indication that there is something wrong with the clotting process.
What to expect from the D-dimer test
If your doctor suspects that you may have a blood clot, they may order a D-dimer test. This test measures the levels of a substance called D-dimer in your blood. D-dimer is produced when a blood clot breaks down.
The D-dimer test is usually done along with other tests, such as a CT scan or an MRI, to confirm the presence of a blood clot. If the D-dimer test is positive, it means that you are likely to have a blood clot. However, a positive result does not necessarily mean that you have a life-threatening condition.
If the D-dimer test is negative, it means that you are unlikely to have a blood clot. However, if you have symptoms of a blood clot, your doctor may still order additional tests to confirm the diagnosis.
What is the best way to prepare for this test?
If your doctor suspects that you may have a blood clot, they may order a d-dimer test. This test measures the levels of a protein fragment that is released when a blood clot breaks down.
There is no special preparation required for this test, but it is important to be aware that it may take several hours for the results to come back. In the meantime, your doctor will likely order other tests to rule out other potential causes of your symptoms.