D-dimer immunoassay (quantitative, plasma)
This test measures the level of D-dimer, a protein fragment produced when certain blood clots break down. It helps assess whether you may be at risk for blood clots or conditions like deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
["D-dimer helps identify potential blood clot risks by detecting breakdown products."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 16279-2
- Short code
- T gondii DNA Bld Ql NAA+probe
- Synonyms
- T gondii DNA Bld Ql NAA+probe
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- probe-amp-tar
- Specimen volume
- 3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order a D-dimer test to evaluate symptoms like unexplained shortness of breath, chest pain, leg swelling, or a history of blood clots. It can also be used to rule out blood clots in certain situations, such as suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).
What to Expect During the Test
A small needle will be used to draw blood from a vein in your arm. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis. The test typically takes a few minutes, and you may feel slight discomfort but no lasting effects.
How the Results Are Interpreted
Results are not provided as a single numeric range. High levels of D-dimer often suggest recent clot formation, while very low levels may indicate no active clotting activity. Your doctor will interpret the result in relation to your symptoms and medical history.
Common Conditions Monitored
D-dimer testing is commonly used to diagnose or rule out blood clots, including conditions like DVT, PE, and sometimes other clotting disorders. It can also be part of evaluating patients with suspected venous thromboembolism (VTE).
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
D-dimer is a marker for fibrinolysis, the process by which blood clots dissolve. Elevated levels can indicate recent clot activity, helping guide decisions about further testing or treatment for conditions like thrombosis. However, it is not definitive on its own and should be considered alongside clinical findings and other diagnostic tests.
Short name
D-dimer
Frequently asked questions
What does a high D-dimer level mean?
Can D-dimer levels be affected by other conditions?
How soon will I get my results?
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