What is this test?
This laboratory test is performed on a blood sample to detect the presence of D-dimer in the blood to figure out blood clotting abnormalities. It is the breakdown product of blood clots.
Why is this test performed?
This test is performed:
- To rule out clotting disorders
- To rule out condition such as Pulmonary embolism and Stroke
- To diagnose condition related to thrombosis
- To monitor the treatment efficacy of Disseminated Intravascular coagulation and clotting conditions.
- What are the symptoms of deep vein thrombosis?
Following are the symptoms of DVT:
- Leg pain
- Leg tenderness
- Leg swelling
- Streaks on the leg.
- What is D-Dimer?
D-dimer is a fibrin degradation product that appears in the blood after breakdown of a clot. It helps in diagnosing thrombosis.
- What are other causes of high levels of FDP?
Other than clot formation and breakdown, causes of high levels include:
- What are the symptoms of pulmonary embolism?
- Difficulty breathing
- Cough
- Rapid heartbeat
- Chest pain.
- What are the risks of this test?
Risks involved in blood withdrawal are rare but include:
- Pain
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Bruising.
INTERPRETATION:
Normal Results
The result is normally less than 10 mcg/mL (10 mg/L).
What Abnormal Results Mean
Increased FDPs may be a sign of primary or secondary fibrinolysis (clot-dissolving activity) due to a variety of causes, including:
- Blood clotting problems
- Burns
- Problem with the heart's structure and function that is present at birth (congenital heart disease)
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
- Low level of oxygen in the blood
- Infections
- Leukemia
- Liver disease
- Problem during pregnancy such as preeclampsia, placenta abruptio, miscarriage
- Recent blood transfusion
- Recent surgery that involved a heart and lung bypass pump, or surgery to lower high blood pressure in the liver
- Kidney disease
- Transplant rejection
- Transfusion reaction
You should get tested if you have the symptoms of a pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, or disseminated intravascular coagulation.
