D-dimer, plasma, mass concentration (by nephelometry)
This test measures the level of D-dimer, a protein fragment produced when blood clots form and break down. It helps assess whether you’re at risk of blood clots or have conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism.
["D-dimer helps guide decisions about blood clot testing and treatment."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 63534-2
- Short code
- dsDNA IgG Fld-aCnc
- Synonyms
- dsDNA IgG Fld-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82784
- 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
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order a D-dimer test if you have symptoms like leg swelling, chest pain, shortness of breath, or if you’ve been diagnosed with a condition that increases your risk of blood clots, such as cancer, heart disease, or recent surgery. It can also be used to rule out certain conditions, like pulmonary embolism, when other tests are inconclusive.
How Is the Test Performed?
A small amount of blood is drawn from a vein in your arm. The blood sample is sent to a lab where it’s analyzed using a specialized machine to detect D-dimer levels. The test typically takes a few minutes to complete.
What Do My Results Mean?
High levels of D-dimer may suggest recent clot formation, but they can also be found in other conditions like pregnancy, heart disease, or inflammation. Low or normal levels help rule out blood clots. Your results will be interpreted by your healthcare provider in the context of your medical history and symptoms.
What Are the Possible Risks?
The most common risk is a mild bruise, redness, or soreness at the needle insertion site. Rarely, there may be a slight reaction to the blood draw, such as dizziness or fainting. If you have a bleeding disorder or take blood thinners, let your provider know before the test.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
D-dimer is a marker for fibrin degradation, indicating whether clotting factors have broken down after a clot forms. Elevated levels are strongly associated with venous thromboembolism (blood clots in veins or arteries) but can also be elevated in other conditions like infection, trauma, or pregnancy. While not definitive on its own, it helps narrow down diagnoses and guides further testing or treatment decisions.
Short name
D-Dimer Test
Frequently asked questions
How often will I need this test?
What should I do if I have a high D-dimer result?
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