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| 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 CodeDDIM
Quest Code
8659
CPT Codes
85379
Preferred Specimen
One full unopened 3.2% sodium citrate (light blue-top) tube
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL plasma - ratio of blood to citrate is critical. Submit difficult draws in pediatric (light blue-top) tube
Other Acceptable Specimens
1 mL frozen plasma: Centrifuge specimen for 15 minutes at 2500-3500 rpm. Using a plastic pipette, remove plasma, taking care to avoid the WBC/Platelet (buffy) layer and place into a plastic transport tube and freeze at -20° C. Ship on dry ice.
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
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
Unopened light blue-top tube
Room temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: 24 hours
Frozen: Unacceptable
Separated platelet-poor plasma
Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen: 30 days
Room temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: 24 hours
Frozen: Unacceptable
Separated platelet-poor plasma
Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen: 30 days
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Gross hemolysis • Grossly lipemic • Clotted specimen • Improper blood to citrate ratio • Plasma received room temperature • Plasma received refrigerated
Methodology
Immunoturbidimetric
Setup Schedule
Days or nights Monday-saturday
Report Available
2 days
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.
Performing Laboratory
| Quest Diagnostics LLC |
| 200 Forest Street 3rd Floor, Suite B |
| Marlborough, MA 01752-3023 |
