Fibrin degradation products, D-dimer; qualitative or semiquantitative
CPT4 code
Name of the Procedure:
Fibrin Degradation Products, D-dimer; Qualitative or Semiquantitative
Summary
The D-dimer test is a blood test used to check for clotting disorders. It measures the presence of fibrin degradation products, specifically D-dimer, which are formed when a blood clot dissolves in the body.
Purpose
The D-dimer test helps identify conditions related to abnormal clot formation and breakdown. It's primarily used to rule out serious conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). The goal is to detect the presence of significant clotting activity in the blood.
Indications
- Symptoms of DVT, such as swelling, pain, or redness in the leg.
- Symptoms of PE, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or rapid heart rate.
- Unexplained bleeding or bruising.
- Recent surgery or trauma with suspected clot formation.
Preparation
- No fasting is required.
- Inform the healthcare provider of any medications being taken, especially anticoagulants.
- No specific diagnostic tests are required beforehand, though the test may be ordered based on clinical examination.
Procedure Description
- A healthcare provider will clean the area where the blood will be drawn, typically the inside of the elbow.
- A needle will be inserted into a vein, and a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube.
- The sample is then analyzed in a laboratory to measure the level of D-dimer.
Duration
The blood draw itself takes only a few minutes, while lab analysis may take several hours to a day.
Setting
The blood sample can be collected in an outpatient clinic, doctor's office, or hospital setting.
Personnel
Typically performed by a phlebotomist, nurse, or lab technician. The results are interpreted by a physician or specialist.
Risks and Complications
- Minimal risk from the blood draw itself, such as slight pain or bruising at the puncture site.
- Rare risk of infection or fainting.
Benefits
- Helps rule out serious clotting conditions quickly.
- Non-invasive and relatively low-cost test.
- Quick turnaround time for results.
Recovery
- No special recovery steps are required.
- Patients can resume normal activities immediately after the blood draw.
Alternatives
- Imaging tests like ultrasound for DVT or CT pulmonary angiography for PE are alternative diagnostic methods.
- The D-dimer test is less invasive and faster but may not be as definitive as imaging tests.
Patient Experience
- Patients may feel a small prick when the needle is inserted.
- Any discomfort is usually minimal and short-lived.
- Pain management is generally not necessary, but local comfort measures such as applying pressure and a bandage can be used.
This markdown provides a comprehensive yet understandable overview of the D-dimer test, its purpose, and other key details.