D-Dimer - Quantitative

This test is used to help diagnose or rule out the presence of blood clots, which can be a sign of conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or disseminated intravascular coagulation. It is also sometimes used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for these conditions.

A healthcare provider will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory, where it is analyzed for D-Dimer levels.

Elevated levels of D-Dimer may indicate the presence of a blood clot, while normal levels may suggest that a clotting disorder is less likely. However, D-Dimer can be elevated in various conditions, so it is important to interpret the results in the context of the patient's clinical presentation.

The D-Dimer test alone is not used to diagnose a stroke. However, it can be a part of the diagnostic process, as elevated D-Dimer levels can be associated with the clotting that occurs in certain types of stroke.

Symptoms of DVT may include swelling, pain, tenderness, and red or discolored skin in the affected area, usually the leg.

Symptoms of PE can include shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, or coughing up blood.

Yes, anticoagulant medications can affect D-Dimer levels. It is important to inform your healthcare provider of any medications you are taking.

Yes, surgery, trauma, prolonged immobility, pregnancy, cancer, and certain chronic diseases are risk factors for elevated D-Dimer levels.

No specific precautions are required before the test, but it’s important to inform your healthcare provider of any medications you are taking.

The frequency of testing depends on your health status and any underlying conditions you may have. Your healthcare provider will advise you on how often you should have the D-Dimer test.

Normal values for D-Dimer levels typically fall below 500 ng/mL. However, normal ranges can vary between laboratories, so it's important to talk to your healthcare provider about what your specific test results mean.

Yes, D-Dimer levels can be elevated in some cancer patients. This is because cancer can increase the risk of blood clots. However, an elevated D-Dimer is not specific for cancer and can be due to various other causes.

Yes, age is a non-modifiable factor that can affect D-Dimer levels. D-Dimer levels tend to increase with age. Genetic predispositions to clotting disorders can also be considered non-modifiable.

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.

If your D-Dimer levels are abnormal, you should consult your primary care physician who may then refer you to a hematologist or other specialist depending on the clinical scenario.

D-Dimer - Quantitative is an essential blood test for evaluating the possibility of blood clotting disorders. It is important to note that while elevated D-Dimer levels can indicate the presence of a clot, they can also be raised due to a variety of other conditions including infection, inflammation, and cancer. It is, therefore, crucial that the test is interpreted in conjunction with clinical symptoms and other diagnostic tests. If you have symptoms of a blood clotting disorder such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, or if you are undergoing treatment for a clotting disorder, it is important to communicate with your healthcare provider to determine if the D-Dimer test is appropriate for you.