D-DIMER
- Code
- 200.2050
- Name
- D-DIMER
- Category
- None
- Department
- Coagulation
- Start Date
- Expiration Date
- Synonyms
- CPT Codes
- 85379
- Site
- Main Lab
- Reference Test
Specimen Information
- Type
Blue, Citrate
- Volume
Tube must fill to top of label
- Transport Info
Refrigerated
24 hour stability
If transport delayed, centrifuge blue top tube, transfer plasma to a separate plastic tube and Freeze.- Fasting Required?
- False
- Patient Instructions
Do not open tube unless freezing plasma.
- Reference Range
0-0.62 ug/mL
- Methodology
Photometric
Clinical Significance
D-Dimer assay aids in the diagnosis of thromboembolic events (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and disseminated intravascular coagulation).
Coagulation activation results in the cleavage of fibrinogen to fibrin. The resulting fibrin molecules spontaneously aggregate and are cross-linked by Factor XIII; this produced a fibrin clot. The activation of the fibrinolytic system results in the conversion of plasminogen into the active protease plasmin that cleaves fibrinogen and fibrin into the fragments D and E. Due to the cross-linkages between the D-domains in the fibrin clot, the action of plasmin releases fibrin degradation products with cross-linked D-domains. The smallest unit is the D-dimer. Detection of cross-linked degradation products, of D-dimers, thus is indicative of reactive fibrinolysis.