D-DIMER

Overview

Measurement of D-dimer assesses fibrinolytic activation and intravascular thrombosis. It is very useful to help exclude acute venous thromboembolic disease, such as deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism, as the cause of a patients symptoms. It is also measured, along with other tests, to diagnose disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). False-positive results may occur in the presence of high rheumatoid factor (RF) titers or in conditions such as pregnancy, recent surgery, or severe infections, which can lead to elevated D-dimer levels even without the presence of thromboembolic disease.