What does D dimer blood test results mean?
D-dimer Blood Test Results Explained. The D-dimer blood test is ordered to determine if there is the presence of an inappropriate blood clot somewhere in the body. The two most common reasons for this test to be ordered is because a pulmonary embolism is suspected or there are signs and symptoms of a deep vein thrombosis.
What is a low D dimer cut-off value?
In these algorithms, low D- dimer cut-off values are used to generate a dichotomous test result that is sensitive, but very non-specific for VTE. A consequence of any test dichotomisation is loss of information that is hidden in the continuous spectrum of results.
How do you get ready for a D-dimer test?
You don’t need to do anything special to get ready for a D-dimer test. Your doctor uses a thin needle to take a small amount of blood. You’ll feel a pinch or stinging when the needle goes in. You may get some soreness or a bruise where the blood is taken, but that’s usually it.
What causes high D-dimer levels?
Other conditions that can cause high D-dimer levels include pregnancy, heart disease, and recent surgery. If your D-dimer results were not normal, your provider will probably order more tests to make a diagnosis.
What is the principal utility of measuring D-dimer?
The principal utility of measuring D-dimer is the high NPV of the test in the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in an appropriate clinical setting.
What is the NPV of D dimer test?
The purpose of this test, which has a high negative predictive value (NPV), is to provide a fast and cost-effective way to triage patients with thromboembolic phenomenon. Although the D-dimer has a high NPV, patients with positive D-dimer should undergo further imaging to determine whether or not they have VTE.
What does it mean when your dimer is high?
Never ignore extremely elevated D-dimer levels: they are specific for serious illness Although D-dimer testing has a reputation for being very non-specific, an extremely elevated D-dimer is uniquely associated with severe disease, mainly including VTE, sepsis and/or cancer.