D - Dimer

A D-dimer blood test is used to rule out the existence of a dangerous blood clot. When we suffer a cut, the body goes through a series of actions to coagulate the blood. When the bleeding stops, the body breaks down the blood clot. This process releases a protein fragment called D-dimer into the blood. D-dimer fades away with time in a healthy body. However, large amounts of D-dimer in the blood can be detected if a person has a severe clot, like deep vein thrombosis or any other blood clotting disorder.

The D-dimer blood test is especially effective when your doctor wants to rule out specific conditions, including:

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) – It can cause swelling, discomfort, or redness in the leg.
• Pulmonary embolism (PE) – A blood clot that migrates to the lungs, causing difficulty in breathing, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, and coughing.
• Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) – A condition in which the proteins that regulate blood clotting become hyperactive.

However, other reasons may also cause the D-dimer level to be high. Certain reasons why a person might receive a positive D-dimer test are:

• Antiphospholipid syndrome
• Cast for a broken bone
• Hospitalisation or nursing home stay
• Trauma or major surgery
• Contraception or hormone replacement treatment
• Pregnancy or recent birthing
• Prolonged lack of mobility, including long plane or vehicle rides, as well as prolonged bed rest
• Certain types of cancer
• Factor V Leiden mutation (an inherited blood clotting disorder)
• Obesity
• Prior history of venous thromboembolism (VTE)
• Smoking

If the result for your D-dimer test is "negative," you most likely do not have a blood clotting disorder. However, if the result is "high," you will require more tests to determine if you have a blood clot as well as its location.

This test cannot establish the presence of DVT or PE. It can only assist in eliminating their possibilities. Furthermore, one can receive a high result for causes other than blood clotting, including:

• Infection
• Liver disease
• Some cancers

Apollo 24|7 offers a comprehensive D-dimer test package and guarantees quick delivery of results. Simply log on to the website and book a test. A skilled professional will withdraw the blood for the D-dimer test. This procedure takes less than a minute and is completely painless.

Moreover, keep a check on your symptoms. If you notice any of the following, consider consulting your primary physician and getting a D-dimer blood test.

• Pain or soreness in the leg
• Redness on the leg
• Swelling (oedema) in the leg
• Trouble breathing
• Chest pain
• Coughing (may cough up blood)
• Fainting
• Fast heartbeat
• Sweating
   

Frequently asked questions

How is the blood sample taken?

To take the blood sample, a tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is asked to make a fist. This helps in the buildup of blood filling the veins and it becomes easy to collect the blood. The skin is cleaned before inserting the needle in the vein in order to prevent bacteria from entering. The needle is then inserted into the vein in the arm and the blood sample is collected in the vacutainer.

What is deep vein thrombosis?

When there is a formation of a clot deep in the veins within the body, most frequently in the lower legs; it is known as deep vein thrombosis. These clots may grow large in size and cause blockage of blood flow in the lungs. This can lead to swelling, pain, and tissue damage in the legs.

What is disseminated intravascular coagulation?

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a condition in which there is activation of the clotting factors. These factors are then used up throughout the body. Due to this, numerous tiny blood clots are formed. The affected person falls at risk of excessive bleeding. It can be a life-threatening condition that can occur due to sepsis, surgical procedures, poisonous snake bites, liver disease, and after childbirth.

What are the symptoms of deep vein thrombosis?

The symptoms of deep vein thrombosis include pain or tenderness in legs, especially one leg; swelling in leg (edema), and discoloration of the leg.

What are the symptoms of pulmonary embolism?

The symptoms of pulmonary embolism include sudden shortness of breath, labored breathing, coughing, presence of blood in sputum, chest pain related to lungs, and rapid heart rate.

Should I inform my doctor if I am taking any medicines?

Yes, please inform your doctor if you are taking any medicines or supplements as it might interfere with the test results.

What is D-dimer?

D-dimer is a protein fragment formed in the body when a blood clot dissolves. It is typically undetected or only detectable at a very low level. However, if the body produces and breaks down blood clots, its presence in the blood might rise considerably.

What does a positive D-dimer test indicate?

A positive D-dimer test may suggest the presence of excessive fibrin breakdown products. It denotes the possibility of a major blood clot or thrombus development and disintegration in the body. The test, however, does not reveal the location or source of the breakdown.

What are some follow-up tests that doctors may order in case of a positive D-dimer blood test?

Your doctor may order more blood tests, such as platelet count, fibrinogen, and prothrombin time if the D-dimer blood test result comes positive. You may also be asked to undergo the following imaging tests: CT angiography Pulmonary angiography Ultrasonography Ventilation/Perfusion scanning These tests help your healthcare provider locate the blood clots since the D-dimer test does not provide the location of the clot.

What are the symptoms of high D-dimer?

Some symptoms that might call for a D-dimer blood test include: Swelling (oedema) in the leg Pain or soreness in the leg Redness on the leg Trouble breathing Sweating Fainting Coughing (may cough up blood) Fast heartbeat Chest pain

What are some reasons one could have a blood clotting disorder?

Elevated D-dimer blood test results may be observed in scenarios when fibrin is produced and then degraded within the body. Pregnancy, recent surgery, trauma, infection, heart attack, and some cancers or diseases in which fibrin is not routinely cleared, such as liver disease, are examples of reasons why a D-dimer test may show positive results and indicate a blood clotting disorder.

What are some treatments for a blood clotting disorder?

A blood clotting disorder is typically treated with the help of blood thinners. Alternatively, anticoagulants may be used to decrease the formation of blood clots.