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