D-dimer (Plasma) with Flow Cytometry Immunoassay
This test measures the level of D-dimer, a protein fragment produced when blood clots break down. It helps assess whether you’re at risk for blood clots or clot-related conditions.
["D-dimer helps identify potential blood clotting risks or recent clot dissolution."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 101989-2
- Short code
- CDNABF
- Synonyms
- C dubliniensis DNA Fld Ql Probe.amp.tar
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, DNA-free, leak-proof container; serum separator tube (SST) or sterile cryovial for body fluid specimens
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.8
- Ref high
- 1.2
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- probe-amp-tar
- CPT
- 87798
- SNOMED
- 122450004
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum or body fluid
- Stability
- Refrigerated (2-8°C): up to 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): up to 4 weeks. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Transport at 2-8°C if testing within 48 hours.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your doctor may order a D-dimer test to evaluate symptoms like unexplained shortness of breath, chest pain, leg swelling, or unexplained bruising. It’s also used to check for conditions like deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in veins) or pulmonary embolism (clots in the lungs).
What to Expect During the Test
A small blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is processed to measure D-dimer levels. This is a quick and painless procedure.
How the Results Are Interpreted
High D-dimer levels may suggest recent clot formation, while low or normal levels help rule out clotting disorders. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your symptoms and medical history.
Common Conditions Monitored
D-dimer is often used to diagnose or monitor conditions like venous thromboembolism, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), or to assess patients with suspected clotting disorders.
Reference range
INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A
No special patient preparation required. Specimen collection should occur prior to initiation of antifungal therapy when possible, as treatment may reduce pathogen DNA load and yield false-negative results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: D-dimer plays a key role in diagnosing blood clots and evaluating clot-related complications. Elevated levels can indicate recent clot activity, guiding treatment decisions such as anticoagulant therapy.
Short name
D-dimer
Frequently asked questions
What causes elevated D-dimer levels?
What if my D-dimer test is positive?
Can lifestyle changes affect D-dimer levels?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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.
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy