The D-dimer test is the blood test used by the doctors to identify if a severe blood clot is present. It is extremely helpful when the doctor suspects a blood clot in the lungs or within the veins of the pelvis or in the leg.
These conditions can be very serious and it is important to get fast treatment to enhance the chances of survival and prevent other medical issues. Read on to know more about D-dimer test, how doctors are using it and its limitations.
A D-dimer test is usually used to identify a blood clotting disorder. Such disorders could be blood clots deep within the veins - deep vein thrombosis or DVT. The clots often affect lower legs, but might occur in other parts of the body.
This test will show that there might be significant formation of blood clots or thrombus although it won’t tell the cause or location. For example, it might occur due to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) or venous thromboembolism (VTE). The D-dimer level will be extremely elevated in case of DIC.
An elevated D-dimer might occur due to a DIC or VTE, but it might happen due to recent surgery, kidney or liver disease, infection or trauma, cancers, in normal pregnancy but also certain diseases of pregnancy like eclampsia.
Select the test that you would like to undergo
Go to the Harley Street clinic for your blood draw and pay for your test in person
As soon as the results are ready, the will be sent to you by your chosen method
