D-Dimer Test
A d-dimer test is a blood test that measures a substance (fibrin) that is released as a blood clot breaks up. D-dimer levels are often higher than normal in people who have a blood clot; however, other conditions, such as cancer, also may cause high d-dimer levels.
A low d-dimer test result means that a blood clot in the leg or the lung (pulmonary embolism) is unlikely.
| Author: | Bets Davis, MFA |
| Medical Review: | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Brian Leber, MDCM, FRCPC - Hematology |
| Last Updated: November 26, 2008 | |
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