What is a D-dimer test for?

D-dimer tests are used to check for blood clotting problems. Blood clots can cause health problems, such as: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) Pulmonary embolism (PE)

What does it mean to have a high D-dimer?

What does a high D-dimer test result mean? If your results reveal that you have higher-than-normal levels of D-dimer in your blood, it may mean that you have a blood clotting condition. A D-dimer test can’t determine the type of blood clotting condition you may have or where the blood clot(s) is in your body.

What cancers cause elevated D-dimer?

D-dimer levels are elevated in the plasma of patients with various solid cancers, including of the prostate (10–12), cervix (13–15) and esophageal squamous cells (16).

What autoimmune diseases cause elevated D-dimer?

Furthermore, D-dimer levels have been shown to be elevated in patients with vasculitis such as Henoch-Schönlein purpura, Kawasaki disease, and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Churg-Strauss syndrome).

What can cause an elevated D dimer?

According to labs online; An elevated D-dimer may be due to a VTE or DIC but it may also be due to a recent surgery, trauma, or infection. Elevated levels are also seen with liver disease, pregnancy, eclampsia, heart disease, and some cancers.

What does a high D-dimer level mean?

A positive D-dimer result may indicate the presence of an abnormally high level of fibrin degradation products. It indicates that there may be significant blood clot (thrombus) formation and breakdown in the body, but it does not tell the location or cause.

What causes elevated D dimer levels?

For example, it may be due to a venous thromboembolism (VTE) or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Typically, the D-dimer level is very elevated in DIC. However, an elevated D-dimer does not always indicate the presence of a clot because a number of other factors can cause an increased level.

What causes an elevation of D dimer?

Venous thromboembolism and disseminated intravascular coagulation are the two primary conditions that cause an elevated D-Dimer, especially the latter in which the levels are abnormally high. However, there are also certain other causes that may result in an elevated D-Dimer.