D-dimer (Plasma) - Fibrin Degradation Product
This test measures the presence of D-dimer, a breakdown product of blood clots. It helps assess whether you may have a condition involving abnormal clot formation or breakdown.
["D-dimer helps diagnose or rule out blood clots in your veins or arteries."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 55449-3
- Short code
- Deprecated D Dimer PPP
- Synonyms
- Deprecated D Dimer PPP
- Category
- coagulation
- Sample
- plasma
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA) or Green-top (Heparin)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is D-dimer Used For?
D-dimer is primarily used to evaluate conditions related to blood clotting, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism. It can also support the diagnosis of other clotting disorders or help determine if anticoagulant therapy is effective.
How Is This Test Performed?
A small blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is then processed to measure D-dimer levels using a sensitive immunoassay method. Results are typically available within a few hours.
What Does a High or Low D-dimer Level Mean?
A high D-dimer level often suggests recent clot formation, which may indicate conditions like DVT or pulmonary embolism. However, a low level does not definitively rule out clots, as some people naturally have lower levels. Your doctor will consider your symptoms, medical history, and other test results to make a diagnosis.
When Might You Need This Test?
Your doctor may order a D-dimer test if you have symptoms like swelling, pain in your legs, shortness of breath, or chest pain. It may also be used during pregnancy, after surgery, or if you have a history of clotting disorders.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
D-dimer is a marker for fibrin degradation, meaning it reflects the body’s response to clot breakdown. Elevated levels are strongly associated with venous thromboembolism (VTE) but can also be elevated in other inflammatory or infectious conditions. While not a definitive test for clots, it is a useful screening tool when combined with clinical judgment and imaging studies.
Short name
D-dimer
Frequently asked questions
Why might my D-dimer test result be abnormal?
Can D-dimer levels change over time?
Is a D-dimer test always accurate?
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