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D-dimers are associated with blood clots in the body. They are formed during their decomposition, an increased level of d-dimers is the basis for suspecting deep inferior vein thrombosis. The diagnosis also includes pulmonary embolism or other conditions associated with embolism or thrombosis. The norm for d-dimers is below 500 micrograms / liter.
What are D-dimers?
D-dimers are proteins that precipitate during the blood clotting process – these are two molecules that are cross-linked. The high amount of D-dimer in the blood means that the body is trying to fight clots in the lumen of the vessels. Moreover, it could be a sign of a pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis. However, an excess of D-dimer may also be the result of pregnancy or old age.
The concentration of D-dimer is determined to establish the reliability of the results of other studies. However, exceeding the norms of D-dimers is not a sufficient reason to conclusively determine the presence of one of the diseases. Nevertheless, too high amount of D-dimers confirms the presence of neoplastic changes, diseases of the cardiovascular system or disseminated intravascular coagulation. They are also often found in postoperative conditions and are the result of various injuries.
Laboratory diagnosticians started using D-dimers as markers in the 90s. Currently, however, it is not a routine test that is performed on every hospitalized patient. Blood test for the concentration of D-dimers is performed only when there are premises for it. Although the presence of D-dimers does not necessarily mean a disease, it is recognized that in a healthy person they should not be present at all.
Find out more: Blood tests – types, indications, course. Blood count standards
What are the standards of D-dimers?
500 µg / l – this is the normal concentration of D-dimers in the blood plasma. Nevertheless, older people may have more of them, and this does not mean that they are ill. When the level of D-dimer is less than 500 µg / L, this is sufficient evidence to conclude that the patient does not have pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis. However, it is worth remembering that the standards in individual laboratories may differ, and a slight excess of the above-mentioned value does not necessarily mean a disease.
Also read: Basic blood tests – meaning, interpretation
What does the high level of D-dimers testify to?
To find out what exactly the increased level of D-dimer means, the test results should be interpreted in conjunction with the medical history and other tests. The detection of fibrin and its degradation products in the blood is considered evidence of the presence of blood clots. However, many physicians are cautious about making such a diagnosis, as there may be many other reasons why D-dimer levels are elevated.
Also check: How much does morphology cost? Basic blood test prices
How to lower the level of D-dimers?
People with too high levels of D-dimers should consult a doctor. In their case, it is necessary to locate the clot and determine specific actions to reduce the level of D-dimer. Doctors then recommend substances that can thin the blood, such as, for example, heparin. Patients with hypercoagulability usually need to take medications prophylactically.
However, there are risks associated with taking anticoagulant medications as they may have side effects and interactions with other medications. Therefore, patients taking them should regularly have liver and kidney tests. It is also important to always take medications at a strictly defined time, and to follow a healthy diet and limit stimulants, e.g. alcohol and cigarettes.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also reduce the level of D-dimer. Many specialists say to be moderately physically active and to drink plenty of water. It is also advisable not to sit in the same position every day. Moreover, you can also wear compression stockings and knee socks to help treat thromboembolism.
When should a D-dimer test be performed?
D-dimer testing is very rare. The doctor must clearly indicate that it is necessary for the diagnosis – mostly patients with suspected thromboembolism are involved. Other symptoms that are the basis for the test are chest pain, pain in the limbs, difficulty breathing, oral bleeding, and swelling in the legs.
People with suspected venous thromboembolism, disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome, and thrombocythemia are often included in the study. Pulmonary embolism is also an indication for testing the level of D-dimers. A person with this condition experiences sudden shortness of breath, spits blood, and has an elevated body temperature. In addition, the patient is weak, has a dry cough, rapid breathing and shallow breathing.
Fatigue, stress, poor diet – these three factors have a significant impact on everyone’s life. This applies primarily to women who feel the negative effects of an intense lifestyle. For this reason, we recommend a package of 20 diagnostic blood tests for women that will reflect the actual state of health. However, men can also perform a bundled D-dimer test along with other measurements important to their body’s functioning. At Medonet Market, they will buy a package of Prophylactic blood tests for men.
What is the study of D-dimers?
The concentration of D-dimers is tested in the venous blood – the fluid is collected into a tube containing the anticoagulant drug. The patient does not need to undergo the procedure on an empty stomach. Thanks to this, the D-dimer test can be performed both in the morning and in the afternoon, as it does not require any special preparations. You get the results the very next day. The cost of performing the test in a private center is approximately PLN 50.
What should you know about D-dimer tests?
D-dimer concentration is determined by special tests, e.g. quantitative and semi-quantitative. What distinguishes them from each other is the method of execution and the way of reading the results. In addition, they use various research materials. However, each of them uses monoclonal antibodies against D-dimers to determine the concentration of D-dimers – this is a common feature of all commercially available tests for determining the concentration of D-dimers.
In order for the test result to determine the concentration of D-dimer to be correct, the rules of storage of the material used in the study should be followed. Plasma can be stored for 24 hours at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius. When plasma is stored at -25 degrees Celsius, it can survive in this state for about 2 months. Once the morphotic elements and the plasma are separated, the plasma should be frozen immediately.
Thanks to the progress of science in medicine, D-dimers will be used in a much wider range than before. It is very likely that each of the tests will also have a common calibrator. Current tests enable accurate determination of D-dimer levels and are standard tools that are used in the treatment of venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
See also: The Homans symptom – what is it and what does it indicate?
What are the methods for determining D-dimers?
One of them is the latex method, which includes standard, immunoturbidimetric and immunofiltration tests. Standard tests use latex microparticles coated with the monoclonal antibodies used for D-dimers. Immunoturbidimetric assays are based on the reaction of anti-D-Dimer monoclonal antibodies with plasma D-dimers. In immunofiltration tests, monoclonal antibodies are attached to a membrane with a porous, thin surface.