Why is this procedure done?
This test is done to help rule out blood clotting problems in your body. When your body works to get rid of a blood clot, a small protein called D-dimer is found in your blood. A high level of D-dimer may mean that your body makes too many clots. ‚
The doctor may order a d-dimer to: ‚
- Check if it is likely that you have a blood clot or pulmonary embolism
- Look for bleeding problems like disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
- Check on treatment for bleeding problems
- Go along with other blood tests like a PT, PTT, and fibrinogen
- Go along with radiology tests like a CT or MRI
View OriginalView Original
What will the results be?
- The doctor will look at the results of your test. The doctor may learn that you have signs of an illness that needs treatment.
- A low or normal test result means that a blood clotting problem in your body is not likely. This may also be called a negative test. It can help rule out clotting as a cause of the signs that you are having.
- If the results are higher than normal, your body may be making and breaking down too many blood clots. D-dimer levels are sometimes higher than normal in people who have blood clotting problems. You may need more tests to learn about why your D-dimer level is higher than expected.
- The doctor will talk with you about treatment.
What happens before the procedure?
- There are no special things to do before your test.
- Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking
- If you have ever had any bleeding problems
What happens during the procedure?
It will only take a few minutes to have this test. You will be awake the whole time. You will have a small amount of blood taken from you with a needle. You may have a small amount of pain. The needle will be taken out and a bandage will be put on your skin. The lab will test your blood to see how much D-dimer is in it. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
- You may want to sit quietly for a few minutes before standing up. This will help keep you from feeling dizzy after the test.
- Put pressure with your other hand where the needle was. This will help with bruising and bleeding.
- Ask your doctor when you will get the results.
What care is needed at home?
You may do your everyday activities when you get back home. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. This test will help your doctor find out if you have a problem with blood clotting. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Pain
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Feeling dizzy
- Infection
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/d-dimer/tab/sample ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚