D-Dimer

D-Dimer is a fibrin degradation product, a small protein fragment present in the blood after a blood clot is degraded by fibrinolysis. It is named so because it contains two D fragments of the fibrin protein joined by a cross-link.

Clinical significance

D-Dimer concentration may be determined by a blood test to help diagnose thrombosis. Since its introduction in the 1990s, it has become an important test performed in patients with suspected thrombotic disorders. While a negative result practically rules out thrombosis, a positive result can indicate thrombosis but does not rule out other potential causes. Its main use, therefore, is to exclude thromboembolic disease where the probability is low.

Measurement

In many hospitals, D-Dimer is now measured as a routine blood test for patients who present with chest pain. The test is also commonly used in the emergency room to rule out pulmonary embolism (PE) in low and moderate risk patients.

Interpretation

The level of D-Dimer in the blood can significantly rise in a number of conditions including deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or disseminated intravascular coagulation. It can also become elevated in pregnancy, surgery, trauma, or with some forms of cancer, which limits its specificity for the diagnosis of thromboembolic disease.

See also

• Fibrin
• Fibrinolysis
• Thrombosis
• Pulmonary embolism

D-Dimer Resources
Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia