D-Dimers

D-dimers are a highly sensitive marker of coagulation activation. D-dimers are degradation products of fibrin (a key component of blood clots). This test is designed to measure the concentration of fibrin degradation products (D-dimers and X-oligomers).

The D-dimer test is a laboratory indicator used to help rule out pulmonary embolism, and it is performed specifically when there is a need to exclude this diagnosis. The normal range of D-dimers is 0–0.3 mg/L; if the level is below 0.5 mg/L (500 µg/L), pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis can generally be ruled out.

A positive D-dimer test result may suggest and help diagnose disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC syndrome) or other thrombotic conditions affecting blood vessels.

Elevated D-dimer levels in the blood may be observed in cases of:

• Pulmonary embolism
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

D-dimer concentration may also increase in:

• Myocardial infarction
• Malignant tumors (cancers)
• Unstable angina
• DIC syndrome
• After surgical procedures
• Late stages of pregnancy and after childbirth