D-Dimer

Clinical Significance

D-Dimer, Quantitative - D-Dimer is one of the measurable by-products of activation of the fibrinolytic system. Quantitation of D-Dimer assesses fibrinolytic activation and intravascular thrombosis. D-Dimer is of particular value in excluding the diagnosis of venous thromboembolism among patients at high risk.

Test Details

Methodology

Immunoturbidimetric

Reference Range(s)

<0.50 mcg/mL FEU

Preferred Specimen(s)

One full unopened 3.2% sodium citrate (light blue-top) tube 

Alternative Specimen(s)

1 mL frozen plasma: Centrifuge specimen for 15 minutes at 2500-3500 rpm. Using a plastic pipette, remove plasma, taking care to avoid the WBC/Platelet (buffy) layer and place into a plastic transport tube and freeze at -20° C. Ship on dry ice.

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL plasma - ratio of blood to citrate is critical. Submit difficult draws in pediatric (light blue-top) tube

Collection Instructions

A completely filled tube is necessary because the correct ratio of blood to citrate is critical (9:1). Mix by gentle inversion 3-4 times. Do not uncap.

Transport Container

3.2% sodium citrate (light blue-top) tube 

Transport Temperature

Room temperature 

Specimen Stability

• Unopened light blue-top tube

• Room temperature: 72 hours

• Refrigerated: 24 hours

• Frozen: Unacceptable

• Separated platelet-poor plasma

• Room temperature: Unacceptable

• Refrigerated: Unacceptable

• Frozen: 30 days

Reject Criteria

Gross hemolysis • Grossly lipemic • Clotted specimen • Improper blood to citrate ratio • Plasma received room temperature • Plasma received refrigerated

Setup Schedule

Set up: Mon-Sat (Day shift); Report available: 2 days