The D Dimer test measures the level of D-dimer in your blood, helping to assess the presence of abnormal blood clotting. It is used to diagnose conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). This simple blood test is safe, with minimal risks like mild pain or bruising at the sample site. Costs vary, and the results aid in diagnosing clotting disorders.
What is a D-Dimer Test?
A D-Dimer test is a test that detects D-Dimer in the blood. D-dimer is a protein fragment (small piece) formed in the body when a blood clot dissolves.
Blood clotting is a critical process that helps a person from losing too much blood when injured or wounded. Once the injury gets healed, the body will normally eliminate the clot. In blood clotting disorder, clots can form even when there is no injury or fail to dissolve when they should. These disorders can be extremely dangerous. A D-Dimer test can determine whether you have one of these conditions.
Other names: Other names for this fragment are the D-Dimer fragment and the fibrin degradation fragment.
What is the Use of the D-Dimer Test?
A D-Dimer test is performed to determine whether or not you have a blood clotting issue. These are some of the disorders:
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): In this disorder, blood clot develops deep within a vein. These clots often affect the lower legs, although they can also occur in other regions of the body.
- Pulmonary embolism (PE): It is a blockage in a pulmonary artery. It often occurs when a blood clot in another region of the body ruptures and travels to the lungs. DVT clots frequently cause PE.
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC): It is a disorder that causes an abnormally large number of blood clots to develop. They have the potential to spread throughout the body, causing organ damage and other catastrophic consequences. Traumatic accidents, certain infections, or malignancies can all cause DIC.
- Stroke: A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain gets blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain breaks.
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Get Second OpinionWhat is the need of a D-Dimer test?
If you have signs of a blood clotting condition, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism, you may require this test.
Symptoms of DVT include:
Symptoms of PE include:
This test is frequently performed in an emergency department or other diagnostic labs.
What happens during a D-Dimer test?
During a D-Dimer blood test, a healthcare professional will use a tiny needle to draw blood from a vein in your arm. You may feel a slight sting or discomfort when the needle goes in or out, but the process is quick, usually taking five to ten minutes. This test helps check D-Dimer levels, which can indicate whether your body is breaking down blood clots.
Elevated D-Dimer levels may suggest conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE), but additional tests are usually needed to make a diagnosis. Many people wonder, "What is D-Dimer?" or "What level of D-Dimer is dangerous?"—while there's no single dangerous threshold, significantly high levels may require urgent medical evaluation. If your doctor recommends it, you should check D-Dimer levels to rule out or confirm potential clotting disorders.
How do you prepare for the test?
Generally, no special preparation like fasting is needed before a D-Dimer Test. However, always follow your doctor's instructions regarding any medications.
Are there any risks associated with a D-Dimer test?
No, having a D-Dimer test poses no relative risk or danger. One may experience little discomfort or bruising where the needle was inserted, but most symptoms will go away soon, and the person taking this test will feel normal.
What do the Results Mean?
If your results show low or normal D-dimer levels in the blood, it means you don't have a clotting disorder. But if you are being treated with blood thinner medicines, they may cause a false negative D-dimer test. This means your test results show that you don't have a clotting disorder, but you really do. If your results show higher than normal levels of D-dimer, it may be a sign of a clotting disorder. Additional tests will be needed to show where the blood clot is located or what type of clotting disorder you have.
Clotting disorders do not always cause high D-dimer levels. A few other possible reasons why you may have high D-dimer levels include pregnancy, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and recent surgery. Being older or immobilised (unable to move) may also cause a high D-dimer level.
If your D-dimer results were not expected, your provider will probably order more tests to make a diagnosis. To understand the results of a D-dimer test, your provider will consider your symptoms, medical history, and the results of other tests. If you have questions about your results, talk to your provider.
Important information to know about D-Dimer testing?
If the results of your D-Dimer test are abnormal, your physician might prescribe one or more imaging tests to determine if you have a clotting condition. These are some examples:
- Doppler ultrasonography is a test that creates pictures of your veins using sound waves.
- Angiogram using computed tomography Angiogram using computed tomography: In this test, you are given a special dye that allows your blood vessels to be seen on a specific sort of X-ray equipment.
- Scan for ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) These are two tests that can be performed alone or together. They both employ small quantities of radioactive chemicals to assist scanning equipment in determining how well air and blood flow through your lungs.
Why is the D-Dimer Test Done?
The D-Dimer Test is done to help diagnose or rule out serious blood clotting conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). It is also used to monitor clotting disorders during severe infections or after surgeries.
When is the D-Dimer Test Needed?
Doctors may recommend a D-Dimer Test if you have:
- Symptoms of DVT (like leg swelling or pain)
- Symptoms of PE (like chest pain or shortness of breath)
- Signs of blood clot-related complications after surgery
- Severe infections or unexplained clotting symptoms
Who Should Take the D-Dimer Test?
- Individuals showing symptoms of blood clots
- People at high risk for thrombotic events (due to surgery, immobility, pregnancy, or cancer)
- Patients suspected of having DIC
- Elderly patients with sudden chest pain or breathing issues
What Type of Sample is Collected for the D-Dimer Test and How?
A blood sample is collected by inserting a needle into a vein, typically from your arm.
Are There Other Ways to Collect the Sample for the D-Dimer Test?
No, the standard and only accurate way to collect a sample for the D-Dimer Test is through a blood draw.
How is the D-Dimer Test Performed?
- A healthcare provider cleans the area on your arm.
- A needle is inserted into a vein to draw blood.
- The blood is collected into a vial and sent to a laboratory for analysis.
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How Long Does the D-Dimer Test Take?
The blood draw process usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
When Will I Get My D-Dimer Test Results?
You will usually receive your D-Dimer Test results within 12 to 24 hours, depending on the lab's processing time. Reports are sent directly to you via WhatsApp or as a printed copy. Once you have your results, our doctor will explain them and guide you on the next steps, if needed.
What Should I Do After Getting My D-Dimer Test Results?
Based on the results, your doctor may order imaging tests like an ultrasound or CT scan to confirm a diagnosis or start treatment for clotting disorders immediately.
Is the D-Dimer Test Painful?
The test involves only a minor needle prick and is usually not painful, though you may feel brief discomfort.
What are the Factors Affecting D-Dimer Test Cost?
- Lab quality and technology used
- Emergency or urgent reporting needs
- Hospital vs. private diagnostic lab charges
- Location of the testing center
- Additional associated tests if ordered
How Much Does the D-Dimer Test Cost in India?
The average cost of a D-Dimer Test in India is around Rs.800 to Rs.2,500. However, the price can change depending on the hospital and the city.
D-Dimer Test Price in Different Cities Across India
| City | Price |
| Hyderabad | Rs.800 to Rs.2000 |
| Karimnagar | Rs.800 to Rs.2000 |
| Nizamabad | Rs.800 to Rs.2000 |
| Warangal | Rs.800 to Rs.2000 |
| Vizag | Rs.800 to Rs.2000 |
| Srikakulam | Rs.800 to Rs.2000 |
| Kakinada | Rs.800 to Rs.2000 |
| Kurnool | Rs.800 to Rs.2000 |
| Nellore | Rs.800 to Rs.20000 |
| Vizianagaram | Rs.800 to Rs.2000 |
| Navi Mumbai | Rs.800 to Rs.2000 |
| Nashik | Rs.800 to Rs.2000 |
| Chh. Sambhaji nagar | Rs.800 to Rs.2000 |
| Pune | Rs.800 to Rs.2000 |
| Sangamner | Rs.800 to Rs.2000 |
| Bangalore | Rs.800 to Rs.2000 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
D-Dimer complete form is Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation.
D-Dimer tests are used to detect blood coagulation issues. Blood clots can cause a variety of health issues, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and Intravascular coagulation that has spread throughout the body (DIC)
A normal D-Dimer range is reading less than 0.50 mg/L.
Having a high D-Dimer level in your blood can indicate a blood clotting disease since D-Dimer levels can rise significantly when there is substantial development and breakdown of blood clots in your body.
D-Dimer levels may also be raised during pregnancy, inflammation, cancer, trauma, postsurgical therapy, liver illness (lower clearance), and cardiac disease.
The D-Dimer test can also show a false negative rate with a negative or positive predictive value.
No, D-Dimer is not painful; however, small discomfort can be caused when the needle is inserted.
No, you don't have to be on an empty stomach before taking this test.
The price of a D-Dimer test in India varies from city to city; however, the average price is about INR 1,000.
You can get a D-Dimer test at Medicover Hospitals. It offers the best pathology tests with 100% accuracy.
