D-dimer, Plasma (Fibrin Degradation Products)
This test measures the presence of D-dimer, a breakdown product of blood clots. It helps assess whether you may be forming clots in your blood vessels.
["D-dimer helps identify potential blood clotting risks or past clot events."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 63227-3
- Short code
- dsDNA IgG Titr Fld IF
- Synonyms
- dsDNA IgG Titr Fld IF
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 8
- Ref high
- 61
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- if
- CPT
- 82977
- SNOMED
- 3110003
- 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 doctor may order a D-dimer test to evaluate symptoms like unexplained shortness of breath, chest pain, or leg swelling that could suggest blood clots (thrombosis). It’s also used to check for conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). In some cases, it may be part of a screening or follow-up for conditions affecting blood clotting.
What Does a High or Low Result Mean?
A high D-dimer level often indicates recent clot formation, which can guide treatment decisions. A very low level may suggest no active clotting activity, but it’s not definitive on its own. Results should always be interpreted alongside other symptoms and medical history.
How Is the Test Performed?
A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The blood is processed to separate plasma, where the D-dimer fragments are measured using a sensitive laboratory test.
What Should I Expect Before or After the Test?
No special preparation is needed. You may feel slight discomfort from the needle, but it’s usually brief. Afterward, you can resume normal activities. If you’re on blood thinners, discuss this test with your doctor first.
Reference range
Adult males: 8-61 U/L; Adult females: 5-36 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
D-dimer is primarily used to rule out blood clots in certain situations, such as when other tests or symptoms are suggestive. It’s less useful for diagnosing conditions like heart failure or infection, as those don’t typically raise D-dimer levels. Doctors may use it alongside imaging studies (like CT scans) to confirm or exclude clots in the lungs or legs.
Short name
D-Dimer
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results from this test?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
Is there any risk or side effect associated with this test?
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