D-Dimer

Test Code

115188

CPT Codes
85379

Preferred Specimen

Plasma, frozen

Minimum Volume

1 mL

Instructions

If the patient's hematocrit exceeds 55%, the volume of citrate in the collection tube must be adjusted. Refer to Coagulation Collection Procedures for directions.

Transport Container

Blue-top (sodium citrate) tube

Transport Temperature

frozen

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Gross hemolysis; clotted specimen; specimen thawed in transit; improper labeling

Methodology
D-dimer levels are determined by latex immunoagglutination assay (LIA). Patient plasma is mixed with D-dimer antibody-coated latex particles. Aggregation of the latex particles caused by D-dimer from the sample is measured photo-optically.

Limitations

Elevated D-dimer levels occur in a number of clinical situations and are not diagnostic of any specific condition.11,15,16 Results for patients undergoing anticoagulant therapy should be interpreted with caution because D-dimer levels do not tend to increase to the same degree as in patients not receiving anticoagulants.10 Levels can be increased in individuals with cancer, underlying inflammation, atherosclerotic vascular disease, pregnancy, and in liver disease due to decreased hepatic clearance.16 Levels increase with age.

Reference Range

0.0-0.4 µg fibrinogen equivalent/mL (µg FEU/mL)

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.