A D dimer test is a simple blood test used to estimate the time needed for your blood to clot. The presence of platelets and blood clotting factors affects a person’s blood clotting ability. If the blood clots too fast or too slow, it can indicate a blood disorder that can have a lethal effect on the patient. The D dimer test observes the D dimer levels of the blood, letting the doctor proceed for further diagnosis. D dimer is a protein marker of the body at high levels if blood clots dissolve. A high level of D dimer is an indication that there is a significant change in the blood clotting ability of the body.
What Are The Conditions 3080-2For Which the D Dimer Test is Done?
While a positive D dimer test with high protein levels shows that the patient might have a blood clotting condition, it does not confirm it. The doctor has to suggest other tests to confirm the condition and go for treatment. The D dimer test is done on a patient’s blood sample to determine the possibility of the following health conditions.
Deep Vein Thrombosis – Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT is a condition that arises when a blood clot forms in the internal vein of your body. The DVT condition can block circulatory pathways to major organs like the legs and pelvic floor.
Pulmonary Embolism – An embolism in the lung develops when a blood clot in another part of the body is dislodged and flown into the lung arteries with the bloodstream.
Stroke – Brain strokes can happen due to blood clots and cutting off of supply to the brain. The D dimer test monitors if the veins in the brain are blocked by a clot or have burst.
What Happens During a D Dimer Test?
The cost of the D dimer test falls in the range of Rupees 600 to Rupees 1400. The test is very simple and needs little prior preparation. A patient’s blood sample is generally taken by a phlebotomist or lab professional to conduct the test.
Using a thin needle helps collect a blood sample from the vein. The collection process does not hurt much and only comes through as a little prick and sting. The patient will get a band-aid on the place of the string.
Procedure
The D-dimer test is a blood test that measures the levels of a protein fragment called D-dimer in the blood. This test is often used to help diagnose conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).
Here is a general procedure for a D-dimer test:
- Preparation: No special preparation is needed for this test.
- Blood Sample Collection: The healthcare provider will clean the area on your arm with an antiseptic and tie a tourniquet around your upper arm to make the veins more visible. They will then insert a needle into a vein and collect a sample of your blood in a tube.
- Blood sample analysis: The blood sample will be sent to a laboratory for analysis.
- Results: Your healthcare provider will inform you of your test results. A negative result means that the D-dimer level in your blood is low and there is likely no blood clotting present. However, a positive result may indicate the presence of a clot or another condition, and further testing may be necessary.
It is important to note that the D-dimer test is not a definitive diagnostic test for blood clotting disorders, and other tests may be needed to confirm a diagnosis. Your healthcare provider will help you interpret the results and determine any necessary next steps.
What Do The Results Of The D Dimer Test Mean?
Usually, the test results are negative or low if the person is healthy and has no blood clotting disorder. If the results are positive or high, the test shows a possibility of a blood clotting disorder. It does not confirm the type of clotting disorder the patient suffers has. Not all conditions are blood clotting disorders if you have a high level of D dimer in your blood. Pregnant women and people who have had recent surgeries also face high levels of D dimer in their bodies.
Conclusion
The D-dimer test is generally considered a safe and low-risk procedure. It involves a simple blood draw, which may cause minor discomfort, bruising, or bleeding at the site where the needle was inserted. Some people may also feel lightheaded or dizzy after the blood draw. There is a very small risk of infection or bleeding from the site where the blood was drawn, but these risks are extremely rare. In some cases, people may experience a false-positive or false-negative result, which can lead to unnecessary testing or missed diagnosis.
It’s important to note that the D-dimer test is a screening tool and not a definitive diagnosis for blood clotting disorders. If the test results are positive, further testing may be required to confirm the diagnosis. If you have concerns about the D-dimer test or the risks associated with it, you should talk to your healthcare provider.
