D-Dimer

What are D-dimers?

D-dimers are fragments of fibrin protein formed during blood clotting. Their presence in serum indicates active fibrinolysis processes, which is the breakdown of clots in the body. Measuring D-dimer levels helps assess the risk of thromboembolic diseases.

D-dimers – what is this test?

Venous blood, usually drawn from the patient’s antecubital vein, is collected for analysis. The test involves a quantitative measurement of D-dimer levels and is performed when increased clotting and fibrinolysis activity is suspected.

When to perform the D-dimer test?

The D-dimer test is recommended in cases of suspected conditions such as:

• deep vein thrombosis,
• pulmonary embolism,
• disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), which involves clot formation in the microcirculation.

D-dimer levels in the blood can also be elevated due to:

• cancer,
• inflammatory conditions,
• liver and heart failure,
• injuries and postoperative periods.

The result of the D-dimer test is usually available within 1 business day

Elevated Levels

An elevated D-dimer level indicates disturbances in the circulatory system; however, the result alone does not clearly determine the cause. High levels are observed not only in thrombosis and embolism, but also in cases of cancer, liver diseases, after surgeries, injuries, or during the use of hormonal contraception. Therefore, the interpretation of the results should always be entrusted to a physician, who will assess them in the context of the patient’s clinical condition.

Does the D-dimer test confirm thrombosis?

The quantitative measurement of D-dimers is an important diagnostic element, but it does not definitively confirm the presence of a clot. Elevated values may also be found in healthy individuals, such as pregnant women or the elderly. Therefore, the test result should be interpreted with caution, as part of a broader diagnostic process.