The d-dimert test looks for d-dimeer in the blood; D-dimeer is considered a protein clot (a small portion) that is formed when a blood clot dissolves in the body.
Blood clotting is an important process that prevents the loss of large amounts of blood in the event of an injury. Usually, the body dissolves the clot as soon as the injury is healed. When there is a blood clotting disorder, there is every opportunity for clotting to occur when there is no inconsequential injury or when it does not resolve when necessary. In these situations there is every opportunity to be highly motivated and even safe in life; the d-dimeer analysis can indicate if any of these criteria are present.
Other names: d-dimeerplak, fibrinolytic paste.
What is it used for?
The D-Dimert test is used to determine if there are blood coagulation disorders. These disorders include
- Deepest venous thrombosis (DVT), blood clots that deepen the veins from the inside out. These clots usually occur in the lower extremities, but may appear in other parts of the body.
- Pulmonary embolism (PE), blockage of an artery in a non-energetic artery. Usually occurs when a blood clot breaks off in another part of the body and breaks off in a non-pulmonary part; DVT clots are considered a co-cause of PE.
- We dismissed intravascular collision (DIC), a condition in which a very large number of clots form. They are likely to form throughout the hull and can damage organs and other serious worsers.DIC can be caused by traumatic injuries or certain types of infections or cancer.
- Stroke, blocked blood flow to the brain.
Why is the D-Dimert test needed?
You may need this test if you have signs of a blood clotting disorder such as DVT or PE.
Symptoms of DVT include
- Leg pain or sensitivity
- Swelling of the leg
- Redness or reddish streaks on the leg
Symptoms of PE include
This analysis is often performed by an emergency department or other health reference If you have signs of DVT and are not supported by a physician, call your own health care provider If you have signs of PE, call 911 or access medical assistance.
What happens during the D-Dimert test?
The doctor will take blood from a vein in your arm with a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood is collected in a test tube or vial. You will feel some pressure as the needle goes in and out. This usually takes less than 5 minutes.
Need to prepare for the test?
No special production is required for the D-Dimert test.
Are there any risks associated with the D-Dimert test?
There are no sufficient risks associated with the blood test. There will be slight pain and bruising in the area where the needle is inserted, but most signs disappear quickly.
What do the results mean?
A low or normal D-Dimer value in the blood probably means that there is no coagulopathy.
If the result shows a higher than normal D-Dimer value, this may mean that there is a clotting disorder. However, it cannot prove where the clot is located or what the pattern of the coagulation system is. In addition, high D-Dimer levels are not always caused by clotting problems; other disorders that can cause high D-Dimer are pregnancy, heart disease, and recent surgery. If your D-Dimer results are not normal, your doctor will probably order more tests to make a diagnosis.
If you have questions about your results, discuss them with your health care provider.
Is there anything else I should know about the D-Dimert test?
If the D-Dimert test results are not normal, your doctor can order one or more imaging studies to see if you have a coagulopathy. These include
- Doppler ultrasound, an analysis that uses sound waves to create images of veins.
- CT angiography. With this test, a special dye that can reflect blood vessels is injected into a special type of x-ray machine.
- Ventilation-perfusion (v/Q) scan. These are two tests that can be done separately or together. Both use a small amount of a radioactive drug to help the scanning device see how well air and blood are flowing through the lungs.
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