D-Dimer

Testing Laboratories

Department

Haematology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

DDW, NCOA

Test Code (Numeric Code)

1635

Laboratory Handling

Phlebotomy

Tube must be filled up to the "Fill Line"

Sample Stability

24 hours

Associated Tests

• Coagulation Basic Screening

Synonyms

Fibrin Degradation Products
XPD
D dimer

Turnaround Time

1 hour

Specimen Type

• Plasma

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Citrate (Light Blue Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

2.7

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Citrate (Light Blue Cap)

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

1

Uncertainty of Measurement

0 - 500 ug/L FEU 34 %, > 500 ug/L FEU 5 %

The assay used is the Stago LIATEST D-Dimer Plus method which is an automated, immuno-turbidometric test for the quantitative determination of cross-linked fibrin degradation products (D-Dimer) in human plasma. Results are reported in µg/L FEU (Fibrinogen Equivalent Units).

The D Dimer level is increased in a number of conditions including venous thromboembolism, DIC, surgery, trauma, infection, inflammation, pregnancy, malignancy and liver disease. In patients with a low clinical probability of VTE a negative D Dimer result has a high negative predictive value for the exclusion of VTE and PE. Recent publications (see below) have shown the benefit of age stratifying the D Dimer ranges, improving the specificity of the test in the older age groups with virtually no loss of sensitivity.

Contact Information