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A D-dimer blood test measures level of D-dimer fragments circulating in your bloodstream. These fragments are also called fibrin degradation products (FDPs).
Doctors usually recommend this test when they find abnormal or dangerous blood clots. It is not used as a routine test but rather as a screening tool in urgent or diagnostic situations.
This test is especially valuable because it helps doctors rule out life-threatening clotting conditions quickly.
Doctors order a D-dimer test when they notice symptoms or conditions that may be linked to a blood clot.
Common medical conditions associated with elevated D-dimer levels include:
1. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
A clot forms in a deep vein — most commonly in leg. Symptoms include:
2. Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
A blood clot travels to lungs, blocking blood flow. Symptoms include:
PE is a medical emergency, and D-Dimer test helps identify need for urgent imaging.
3. Stroke
High D-dimer may indicate increased clotting and a higher risk of complications or recurrence.
4. Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)
A severe condition where small blood clots form in the body. This can deplete clotting factors, leading to uncontrolled bleeding.
Other scenarios where a D-Dimer test may be requested:
Although the range may vary between labs, general reference range is:
| Result Type | Range |
| Normal | Less than 0.50 μg/mL (or 500 ng/mL FEU) |
| Borderline/Abnormal | Above 0.50 μg/mL |
A normal D-Dimer result usually means there’s no abnormal clotting, and conditions like DVT or PE are unlikely.
A positive result means there are higher-than-normal levels of D-dimer in blood, suggesting that body is forming and breaking down significant blood clots.
However, a positive result does not confirm a specific diagnosis.
It simply indicates that further tests like:
may be needed to pinpoint cause.
| Cause | Notes |
| Blood clots (DVT, PE, stroke) | Most common reason |
| Recent surgery or injury | Due to healing and clot breakdown |
| Infections or inflammation | Including pneumonia or sepsis |
| Pregnancy | Levels naturally increase |
| Cancer | Some cancers increase clotting tendency |
| COVID-19 | Known to increase clot risk |
| Liver disease | Impairs clot regulation |
False Positives Can Occur
Sometimes test is positive even without clotting disorders — especially in:
This is why doctors do not rely solely on this test for diagnosis.
If you experience any of these symptoms, a doctor may recommend test:
This symptoms help guide urgency and follow-up testing.
The test is simple:
In emergency settings like suspected pulmonary embolism, labs prioritize the test for rapid decision-making.
| Result | Meaning | Next Step |
| Negative | Low chance of abnormal clotting | Usually, no further testing is needed |
| Positive | Possible clotting activity | Imaging or further tests required |
Certain situations naturally elevate D-dimer without indicating disease:
The test is generally safe, but limitations include:
Therefore, D-Dimer test cannot diagnose clotting disorders alone — it is only a screening tool.
If result is elevated but no clot is found, doctors may monitor levels and investigate other potential causes.
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience:
These may indicate serious clotting or bleeding conditions.
A positive D-dimer test result does not automatically mean you have a blood clot, but it indicates that your body may be experiencing abnormal clot activity. The test helps doctors decide whether evaluation or imaging is necessary.
Understanding your results — along with symptoms and medical history — is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
If you’ve received a positive result, don’t panic. Instead, follow up with your healthcare provider to determine next appropriate steps.
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