A d-dimer test is a blood test that measures a substance released as
a blood clot breaks up. D-dimer levels are often higher than normal in people
who have a blood clot.
This blood test is sometimes used to diagnose a blood clot in the leg
(deep vein thrombosis). This test may be done in people
with low-risk of a deep vein thrombosis either before ultrasound or after
ultrasound if the results are not clear.1
This test may be used to check your risk of a blood clot in a lung
(pulmonary embolism) after you stop taking
anticoagulants. The test can help your doctor decide if you should not take
anticoagulants anymore or if you should start taking them again.
A low d-dimer test result may mean that a deep vein thrombosis or
pulmonary embolism is less likely. A high d-dimer test result may not always be
caused by a blood clot in the leg or lung.
Citations
Kraaijenhagen RA, et al. (2002). Simplification of the
diagnostic management of suspected deep vein thrombosis. Archives of Internal Medicine, 162(8): 907-911
Kraaijenhagen RA, et al. (2002). Simplification of the
diagnostic management of suspected deep vein thrombosis. Archives of Internal Medicine, 162(8): 907-911
