Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
D-Dimer is one of the early products from the breakdown of cross-linked fibrin by the fibrinolytic system. It is used in the investigation of suspected DVT/PE and in the monitoring of DIC. The test has a very high Negative Predictive Value (NPV) and is part of the Wells score used to determine likelihood of thrombosis. The positive predictive value of the test is not as high and a positive result is not diagnotic of DVT/PE.
Specimen container paediatric:
Light blue – sodium citrate
Specimen container adult:
Light blue – sodium citrate
Minimum volume paediatric:
1.3mL
Minimum volume adult:
2.7mL
Special requirements:
Tube must be correctly filled to line, to ensure correct ratio of blood to anticoagulant, ensure adequate mixing.
Sample stability:
8 hrs
Transport requirements:
Samples should be transported to lab without delay
Freq analysis:
Continuous
Add on test:
[email protected] (external)
Quality assurance:
UK NEQAS Blood Coagulation
Reference ranges:
Less than 230ug/L. If used in DVT pathway <500 ug/L
Note: For Haemostatic tests, paediatric reference ranges may be different to adult ranges.
Other info:
A quantitative assay of fibrin degradation product D-Dimer.