Name of the Procedure:

Fibrin Degradation Products, D-Dimer; ultrasensitive (evaluation for venous thromboembolism), qualitative or semiquantitative

Summary

This is a blood test that measures the presence of D-Dimer, a protein fragment that results from the breakdown of a blood clot. It helps in diagnosing conditions related to abnormal clotting, specifically venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Purpose

This test is primarily used to rule out or confirm conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) by detecting elevated levels of D-Dimer in the blood. Elevated levels may indicate the presence of an abnormal clotting process.

Indications

• Sudden leg pain or swelling, which might indicate a clot in a leg vein.
• Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain, suggesting a possible pulmonary embolism.
• Unexplained bleeding or bruising that might imply a clot dissolution problem.
• Patients with risk factors for thrombosis such as surgery, immobilization, cancer, or inherited clotting conditions.

Preparation

• No special preparation is typically required.
• It’s important to inform the healthcare provider about any medications being taken, as some drugs may influence clotting.

Procedure Description

1. A tourniquet is applied to the arm to make the veins more visible.
2. The skin is cleaned with an antiseptic wipe.
3. A needle is inserted into a vein, usually in the arm, to draw a blood sample.
4. The blood is collected into a vial or tube.
5. The sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis.
   • No anesthesia or sedation is required for this procedure.

Duration

The blood draw itself takes only a few minutes. Laboratory analysis might take several hours to a few days.

Setting

The test is typically performed in a hospital laboratory, outpatient clinic, or diagnostic center.

Personnel

• A phlebotomist or nurse will draw the blood.
• A laboratory technician or technologist will analyze the sample.

Risks and Complications

• Common risks include minor bruising or discomfort at the needle insertion site.
• Rare risks involve infection or more significant bleeding at the puncture site.

Benefits

• Helps in the quick diagnosis or exclusion of potentially life-threatening conditions like DVT and PE.
• Minimally invasive with no need for recovery time or special aftercare.

Recovery

• No specific recovery is required as it is a simple blood draw.
• Patients can resume normal activities immediately after the sample is taken.
• Follow-up with your healthcare provider to discuss the test results.

Alternatives

• Imaging studies like ultrasound for DVT or CT scan for PE.
• Other blood tests that evaluate clotting factors.
• The D-Dimer test is preferred for its speed and non-invasiveness compared to imaging studies.

Patient Experience

• Patients might feel a slight pinch or sting when the needle is inserted.
• Mild soreness or bruising might occur at the puncture site.
• Any discomfort is typically minor and resolves quickly.