Book D-Dimer Test

What is the D-dimer Test?

D-dimer test is a blood test that quantifies the level of D-dimer, a protein fragment released when a blood clot is dissolved¹. Its existence in blood or urine can be a sign of the person having a clot. A number of other situations, e.g., ageing, pregnancy, higher levels of lipid (fats) and triglycerides, liver problems, recent surgery, or physical trauma, can also lead to higher than the D-dimer normal range.

About D-dimer Test

Learn everything about the D-dimer test, before you book lab test online. Understand the why, how, and what of this test.

Why Do Doctors Recommend a D-dimer Test?

The D-dimer test helps determine the following kinds of blood clotting disorders²:

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): DVT happens when a blood clot is formed deep inside a vein, mostly in the lower legs. Although it is more common in the stomach and intestines, it can also be present in other parts of the body.
Pulmonary embolism (PE): This is a situation where the blood supply to the lungs is blocked, usually due to a blood clot that is formed from another part of the body and travels to the lungs. DVT clots are often the common cause of PE.
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC): This is a condition in which too many blood clots form all over the body, which can result in the damage of organs and other life-threatening problems. DIC can be secondary to traumatic injuries or infections, or it can be due to malignancies.
Blood Clotting Caused by Snake Bite: Snake venom can contain toxins that interfere with blood clotting mechanisms, potentially leading to abnormal clotting or bleeding. A D-dimer test may be used alongside other evaluations to assess clotting abnormalities following a snake bite.
Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS): TTS is a very rare blood clotting disorder that can occur in rare instances following vaccination with specific vector-based vaccines. While uncommon, a D-dimer test might be included in the workup for suspected TTS.

How To Prepare For D-Dimer Test?

The steps below help you ensure that your D-dimer test provides the most accurate information about your health.

Medication guidelines: Tell your healthcare provider about all the drugs, supplements or herbal remedies you are taking, as some substances may affect test results. Follow any specific instructions regarding drug adjustment before testing.

Contact to doctor: Share your entire medical history with existing conditions or symptoms to help explain test results.

What Happens During D-dimer Testing?

An D-dimer Test only takes a few minutes.

As per the scheduled time of the blood test, a Lab Technician who usually takes blood samples will arrive.
A thin needle will be used to draw blood from your arm’s vein.
The needle might cause a mild pinch and some discomfort.
The lab technician then fills a collection tube with blood and then removes the needle from the skin.
They place a small bandage on the arm

Please note: There might be slight pain or bruising at the spot of insertion, but most of the symptoms go away quickly.

Finding D-dimer Test

Should you book blood test online to check your health condition or go to the nearest clinic and get it done by a medical professional? Let's Find Out

Can I Take an D-dimer Test At Home?

Yes, the D-dimer Test can be taken at home. HealthcareOnTime's at-home lab testing service, in association with thyrocare, provides a convenient and efficient way to get blood testing done from the comfort of your own home without the need for a doctor's visit or a trip to a lab. It's important to note that it's always a good idea to consult with an expert healthcare provider about any queries you may have about your test results.

How Much Does D-dimer Test Cost?

The D-dimer test price varies significantly depending on many factors:

Location: The D-dimertest prices in India may vary depending on the city or the region in which the test is conducted. For example, in Bangalore or Mumbai, it might be expensive as compared to small towns.
Type of facility centres: The D-dimer test charge also varies between private hospitals, government hospitals, and diagnostic centres. Cost is lower in government hospitals as compared to private ones.
Healthcare centres: Diagnostic centres, laboratories and hospitals may have different D-dimer test prices. It depends upon the benefits and reputation of the healthcare centre.
Insurance Coverage: Individuals with health insurance can cover partial or all costs depending on their policy coverage and network providers.
Additional services: Additional services such as home sample collection, express test results, or additional charges for special management may be paid, which contributes to the overall D-dimer test price.

Generally, the D-dimer test cost in India ranges from Rs. 800 to Rs. 2000. By opting for HealthcareOnTime lab test at-home facilities, you can access D-dimer test at the cost of INR 900.

Test Results Interpretation

You received your D-dimer blood test results but still need help determining if they fall under the D-dimer normal range. Read this section to know if your results range between the D-dimer normal value or higher.

What Does D-dimer Test Results Mean?

Understanding D-dimer test results requires considering various factors, including age, medication, and underlying health conditions. Elevated levels in older individuals, pregnant women, post-surgery patients, or those on anticoagulants, highlight the need for a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare provider.

Normal and Elevated D-dimer Levels

Normal D-dimer Levels: Typically, D-dimer levels within the normal range suggest a low likelihood of clotting disorders. Normal ranges vary by laboratory, but results below the lab-specific threshold generally indicate that significant clot formation and breakdown are unlikely.

However, it's crucial to note that blood thinners can cause a false negative, showing no clotting disorder when one might exist.

Elevated D-dimer Levels: High D-dimer levels can point to the presence of a clotting disorder, requiring further tests to locate the clot or identify the disorder type. But, high levels aren't exclusively linked to clotting disorders. Other potential causes include pregnancy, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, recent surgery, being older, trauma, or infection ³.

If your D-dimer levels are elevated, or if you have questions about your results, consulting with a healthcare professional is essential.

What is the D-dimer test normal range?

If an individual has a D-dimer level of less than 0.50 mg/L, it is considered the D-dimer normal range⁴.

D-Dimer Levels	Interpretation
Low/Negative D-dimer level (less than 0.50 mg/L)	Not likely to have a clotting problem
High/Positive D-dimer level (0.50 mg/L or greater)	High levels of D-dimer protein in the blood cause chances of a blood clot

Note: In a few cases, high D-dimer levels may not be an indication of blood clotting. Thus, further testing is necessary to determine the right diagnosis.

What Medical Conditions Can Cause High D-dimer Levels?

High D-dimer levels can be caused by various medical conditions and situations, including⁵:

Pregnancy
High lipid or triglyceride levels
Heart disease
Liver disease
Being over 80 years old
Recent surgery or trauma
Rheumatoid arthritis
Autoimmune disorders
Infection or sepsis

What Medical Conditions Can Cause Low D-dimer Levels?

Low or normal D-dimer levels generally indicate the absence of a clotting disorder, suggesting that abnormal clot formation is not occurring. However, if you're undergoing treatment with blood thinner medications, these can lead to a false negative result on the D-dimer test ⁶. In such cases, the test might incorrectly suggest you don't have a clotting disorder when you actually do. Always consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate assessment of your test results.

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