D-dimer (DDI) is a product of fibrinolysis, the process of plasminogen breaking down fibrin clots. Two products are made by fibrinolysis: D-dimer (DDI) and Fibrin Degradation Products (FDP). D-dimer levels are elevated in the setting of clot breakdown, but will be even higher in the setting of Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC).
What is the Normal Range for D-Dimer?
≤ 250 ng/mL
What are the Indications for D-Dimer?
Identify and monitor Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)
Rule out a blood clot:
Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Stroke
What would cause Increased Levels of D-Dimer?
Surgery
Trauma
Infection
Cancer
Heart attack
Pregnancy
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)
What would cause Decreased Levels of D-Dimer?
N/A
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