D Dimer Test

D-Dimer is a type of protein which is produced when a blood clot dissolves in the body. D-Dimer is normally undetectable unless the body is forming or breaking down the blood clots and the level of D-Dimer rises in the blood. To check the level of D-Dimer in the blood, D-Dimer test is conducted. D-Dimer test is used in a hospital emergency room setting to determine if the person is at intermediate or low risk for thrombosis or thrombotic embolism. A negative D- Dimer test indicates that it is highly unlikely that a thrombus is present. Also, a positive D-Dimer test cannot detect whether a blood clot is present or not and indicates that further testing is required. A blood clot can cause health problems like Stroke, Deep Vein Thrombosis, Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation or Deep Vein Thrombosis.

There are no special preparations or outrageous requirement before the D-Dimer blood test. However, there is no need to fast before the test. You can have your daily food and drink before the test. Also, you can have your vitamins, medicines or other supplements as usual. You just need to know about the do’s and don’ts related to the laboratory. You also need to inform the doctor if you are on specific medications or taking blood thinners that relate to blood clotting. The test results might get affected if you do not inform your doctor prior to the test.

The D-Dimer test is usually done by ELISA assay. The test is performed by just collecting a blood sample from the patient. The doctor uses a needle to take few milliliters of blood by injecting it into the vein on your arm. You might feel a stinging or pinch when the needle is injected but it last for just a few minutes. The blood sample collected is then analyzed to find out the presence of the protein in the blood. The evaluated reference ranges from 0-300 nanograms/milliliter of D-Dimer blood test.