If You Don’t Know What D-Dimer Is–You Should!
Category: Uncategorized
Author: Georgina Tyburski
Posted: Friday - March 20, 2015
D-Dimer is a quick, non-invasive blood test that measures substance released as a blood clot breaks up.
It is ordered by a physician along with other blood tests, and imaging scans to help rule out the presence of thrombus, abnormal or excess clotting. Frequently seen ordered if MD suspects DVT/PE or something else causing symptoms.
SX include:
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DVT PE (Pulmonary Embolus)
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Leg pain, calf tenderness Sudden Shortness of breath
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Leg swelling/edema Labored breathing
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Discoloration of the leg Chest pain
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Rapid heart rate
D-Dimer is recommended as an adjunct test. It should not be the only test used to diagnose a disease or condition.
False positive reading can be due to various causes:
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Liver diseases
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Malignancy
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Recent surgery
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Pregnancy
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High Rheumatoid Factors
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Advanced Age
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Inflammation
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Trauma
False Negative can occur if inadequate sample specimen obtained.
