Skip to content

D-Dimer

Published: July 27, 2026Updated: August 25, 2026

D-Dimer measures the presence of fibrin degradation products in the blood, indicating recent or ongoing blood clot formation and breakdown.

Quick summary

D-Dimer is a blood test marker for clotting and its breakdown.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 25, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

Units
μg/mL FEU
Clinical utility
diagnostic
Result kind
quantitative
FDA-cleared
Roche D-Dimer, Abbott D-Dimer, Siemens D-Dimer, BioMerieux D-Dimer
interpretation: {"text":"0–0.5 μg/mL FEU: No significant blood clotting activity detected.","label":"Normal"}; {"text":">0.5 μg/mL FEU: Possible presence of blood clots or other conditions that cause increased clotting.","label":"Elevated"}

D-Dimer is a protein fragment produced when a blood clot dissolves in the body. It is often used to help diagnose conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).

The test is particularly useful in emergency settings to rule out the presence of life-threatening blood clots. A negative result generally indicates that there is no significant clotting activity, while a positive result requires further investigation to determine the cause.

Levels of D-Dimer can also be elevated in other conditions such as pregnancy, liver disease, and after surgery or trauma. Therefore, while it is a valuable diagnostic tool, it is not specific to any single condition.

Frequently asked questions

What does a high D-Dimer level mean?
A high D-Dimer level may indicate the presence of blood clots, but it can also be elevated in other conditions such as pregnancy, liver disease, or after surgery.
Can D-Dimer be used to diagnose deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
D-Dimer is useful in ruling out DVT when levels are normal, but elevated levels require additional tests for confirmation.
  1. 1
    Mayo Clinic: D-Dimer TestSource
  2. 2
    American Heart Association: D-DimerSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy