You received your D-dimer blood test results but still need help determining if they fall under the D-dimer normal range. Read this section to know if your results range between the D-dimer normal value or higher.
What Does D-dimer Test Results Mean?
Understanding D-dimer test results requires considering various factors, including age, medication, and underlying health conditions. Elevated levels in older individuals, pregnant women, post-surgery patients, or those on anticoagulants, highlight the need for a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare provider.
Normal and Elevated D-dimer Levels
- Normal D-dimer Levels: Typically, D-dimer levels within the normal range suggest a low likelihood of clotting disorders. Normal ranges vary by laboratory, but results below the lab-specific threshold generally indicate that significant clot formation and breakdown are unlikely.
However, it's crucial to note that blood thinners can cause a false negative, showing no clotting disorder when one might exist.
- Elevated D-dimer Levels: High D-dimer levels can point to the presence of a clotting disorder, requiring further tests to locate the clot or identify the disorder type. But, high levels aren't exclusively linked to clotting disorders. Other potential causes include pregnancy, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, recent surgery, being older, trauma, or infection 3.
If your D-dimer levels are elevated, or if you have questions about your results, consulting with a healthcare professional is essential.
What is the D-dimer test normal range?
If an individual has a D-dimer level of less than 0.50 mg/L, it is considered the D-dimer normal range4.
Note: In a few cases, high D-dimer levels may not be an indication of blood clotting. Thus, further testing is necessary to determine the right diagnosis.
What Medical Conditions Can Cause High D-dimer Levels?
High D-dimer levels can be caused by various medical conditions and situations, including5:
- Pregnancy
- High lipid or triglyceride levels
- Heart disease
- Liver disease
- Being over 80 years old
- Recent surgery or trauma
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Autoimmune disorders
- Infection or sepsis
What Medical Conditions Can Cause Low D-dimer Levels?
Low or normal D-dimer levels generally indicate the absence of a clotting disorder, suggesting that abnormal clot formation is not occurring. However, if you're undergoing treatment with blood thinner medications, these can lead to a false negative result on the D-dimer test 6. In such cases, the test might incorrectly suggest you don't have a clotting disorder when you actually do. Always consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate assessment of your test results.
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