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Doctor's Assessment Included

Every result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Coagulation

D-Dimer

D-Dimer is a sensitive marker of clotting activity. As part of a health assessment, it provides valuable information about fibrin turnover and thrombotic risk.

What It Measures

This test measures the concentration of D-Dimer fragments in your blood. These fragments are produced when cross-linked fibrin in blood clots is broken down by plasmin.

Why It Matters

A negative D-Dimer result is very useful for ruling out DVT and PE in patients with low-to-moderate clinical probability. However, D-Dimer can be elevated by many conditions and naturally rises with age.

When to Test

D-Dimer is typically ordered when DVT or PE is suspected but clinical probability is not high. It is also used to monitor DIC and assess thrombotic risk. Consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

Symptoms

Low Levels

A normal D-Dimer strongly suggests that a significant blood clot is not present. This has a high negative predictive value, particularly in younger patients.

High Levels

Elevated D-Dimer can be caused by DVT, PE, DIC, surgery, trauma, infection, inflammation, pregnancy, cancer, and advanced age. It indicates clotting activity but cannot identify the specific cause.

Lifestyle Tips

D-Dimer levels are influenced by underlying conditions rather than lifestyle factors directly. Maintaining cardiovascular health through regular exercise, a healthy weight, and not smoking reduces overall thrombotic risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does an elevated D-Dimer mean I have a blood clot?
Not necessarily. D-Dimer can be elevated by many conditions. Its main clinical value is in ruling OUT clots when the result is normal.
Why does D-Dimer increase with age?
Age-related increases in background coagulation activity cause D-Dimer to naturally rise. Age-adjusted cut-offs (age x 10 mcg/L for those over 50) improve specificity in older patients.
Can D-Dimer be elevated during pregnancy?
Yes. D-Dimer progressively rises during normal pregnancy, making standard cut-offs unreliable. Pregnancy-specific reference ranges are used.