D-dimer
D-dimer is a biomarker primarily used in the evaluation of blood clotting disorders and thrombotic events. Here’s how it’s utilized:
- Diagnosis of blood clotting disorders: Elevated levels of D-dimer may indicate the presence of blood clots or thrombosis in the body. It is often used alongside other tests to diagnose conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).
- Assessment of thrombotic risk: D-dimer levels can assess the risk of thrombosis or blood clot formation in individuals with certain medical conditions or risk factors, such as cancer, surgery, trauma, pregnancy, or prolonged immobility. Elevated D-dimer levels may indicate an increased risk of thrombotic events.
- Evaluation of suspected venous thromboembolism (VTE): D-dimer testing is commonly employed in the evaluation of patients suspected of having venous thromboembolism (VTE), including DVT and PE. A negative D-dimer result, along with other clinical assessments, may help rule out VTE in low-risk patients
- Monitoring treatment response: D-dimer levels may be monitored to assess the response to anticoagulant therapy in patients with VTE or other thrombotic disorders. Decreasing D-dimer levels over time may indicate that treatment is effectively preventing or resolving blood clots.
- Prognostic indicator for certain conditions: Elevated D-dimer levels have been associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes in various medical conditions, including cardiovascular disease, sepsis, cancer, and COVID-19. Monitoring D-dimer levels may help predict the severity of these conditions and guide clinical management.