|
|
| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z # |
D-Dimer, Quantitative
Test CodeDIM
Preferred Specimen
One full unopened 3.2% sodium citrate (light blue-top) tube
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL platelet poor plasma
Other Acceptable Specimens
1 mL frozen platelet poor sodium citrate plasma
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
Ambient
Specimen Stability
Unopened light blue-top tube
Ambient: 2 hours
Separated platelet-poor plasma
Ambeint: 4 hours
Refrigerated: 24 hours
Frozen: 14 days
Ambient: 2 hours
Separated platelet-poor plasma
Ambeint: 4 hours
Refrigerated: 24 hours
Frozen: 14 days
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Gross hemolysis, Gross lipemia, Clotted specimen, Improper blood to citrate ratio
Methodology
Immunoturbidimetric
Setup Schedule
24/7
Report Available
Same day
Limitations
In patients with low or moderate probability of clots in the deep veins of the leg, a negative D-Dimer result generally rules out DVT. Some patients with blood clots will be false-negatives. This is most common among older patients, those who have undergone prolonged hospitalization, and those with markedly elevated C-reactive protein levels.
Reference Range
<0.50 mcg/mL FEU
Clinical Significance
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.
