Diagnostics·Diagnostics
Preparing for D-dimer
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
A D-dimer test is a blood test that checks for small pieces of a protein called fibrin. Your body makes fibrin when it forms a blood clot. The test can help your doctor see if you might have a blood clot somewhere in your body.
Key facts
- A D-dimer test is a simple blood test, not a test for a specific disease.
- It is often used to help rule out deep vein thrombosis (a clot in a deep vein, often in the leg) or pulmonary embolism (a clot in the lung).
- A normal result makes a clot less likely, but a high result does not always mean you have a clot – other conditions can raise the level.
Yes, the D-dimer test is commonly ordered when someone has symptoms that could be from a blood clot.
Anyone with symptoms of a possible clot may have this test. It is especially used for people with risk factors like recent surgery, long periods of inactivity, or a family history of blood clots.