What does D dimer blood test results mean?
D-dimer Blood Test Results Explained. The D-dimer blood test is ordered to determine if there is the presence of an inappropriate blood clot somewhere in the body. The two most common reasons for this test to be ordered is because a pulmonary embolism is suspected or there are signs and symptoms of a deep vein thrombosis.
What causes high D dimer levels in blood?
Also, high D-Dimer levels are not always caused by clotting problems. Other conditions that can cause high D-Dimer levels include pregnancy, heart disease, and recent surgery. If your D-Dimer results were not normal, your provider will probably order more tests to make a diagnosis.
What does a positive D-dimer test mean?
Pulmonary embolism, or PE, a blood clot that has traveled to your lungs that may lead to trouble breathing, fast heartbeat, pain in your chest, and coughing In this case, the test is only helpful if you’re not too likely to have blood clots. A positive D-dimer test doesn’t mean you have a blood clot. Other tests will be needed to check for that.
Can a D-dimer blood test be undetectable?
It is normally undetectable or detectable at a very low level unless the body is forming and breaking down blood clots. Then, its level in the blood can significantly rise. A D-dimer test is a blood test that can be used to help rule out the presence of a serious blood clot.
Why would a doctor order a D-dimer test?
To rule out DVT and other conditions: The D-dimer test is most useful when your doctor thinks something else is causing your symptoms and wants to quickly rule out these causes: In this case, the test is only helpful if you’re not too likely to have blood clots. A positive D-dimer test doesn’t mean you have a blood clot.
How is the D-dimer test used to diagnose DVT?
The D-dimer test can be used both ways, based on what your doctor is looking for. To rule out DVT and other conditions: The D-dimer test is most useful when your doctor thinks something else is causing your symptoms and wants to quickly rule out these causes: In this case, the test is only helpful if you’re not too likely to have blood clots.