Description
Why It’s Done
The D-Dimer test is typically ordered to:
• Evaluate the presence of abnormal clot formation and breakdown in conditions such as:
o Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
o Pulmonary embolism (PE)
o Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
• Rule out certain conditions when the risk of blood clotting disorders is suspected (e.g., in patients with unexplained chest pain or shortness of breath).
• Monitor patients at high risk of blood clots, including those undergoing surgery, trauma, or pregnancy.
• Help assess the effectiveness of anticoagulation therapy or other treatments for clotting disorders.
• Serve as a screening tool, although it is typically used alongside other diagnostic methods like ultrasound, CT scans, or clinical evaluation.
Preparation
• No special preparation is needed before the test.
• A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm.
• Inform your healthcare provider if you are currently taking blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants), such as warfarin or heparin, as this may affect test results.
• If you have recently had surgery or experienced trauma, let your doctor know, as these can lead to elevated D-Dimer levels.
