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Animal Health Diagnostic Center

Improving the health of animals, animal populations and wildlife

Quantitative D-Dimer Assay

D-dimer is a specific degradation fragment of cross-linked fibrin. High plasma D-dimer is an indicator of intravascular fibrin formation and plasmin-mediated fibrinolysis. Measurement of plasma D-dimer concentration is useful to aid in the diagnosis of systemic thrombosis, including pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).

D-dimer from cross-linked fibrin

Quantitative D-dimer Assays

Quantitative D-dimer assays have replaced semi-quantitative methods in medical practice. When combined with clinical criteria, the finding of low D-dimer is useful for ruling out thrombosis and PTE early in the diagnostic work-up.

The Comparative Coagulation Laboratory is now offering a quantitative D-dimer test for animals in place of a semi-quantitative test method. A specific value, rather than concentration range, provides more precise monitoring for serial assessments of patient status. Testing algorithms that incorporate quantitative D-dimer may improve diagnostic accuracy for early identification of thrombosis

Sample Requirements

Submit at least 0.5 mL of citrate plasma, shipped overnight on a cold pack.

Test Turnaround and Costs

Same day reporting: the test is run daily (M-F) with results posted on-line (and faxed by request) as soon as the assay is complete

Test Principle

Plasma D-dimer is detected in an automated turbidimetric immunoassay, using monoclonal antibodies bound to latex beads. Results are reported as D-dimer concentration (ng/mL) compared to a same-species standard. Quantitative D-dimer assays are routinely offered for dogs, cats, and horses. Please call for information on other species.

References

  • Freyburger G, Labrouche S. Comparability of D-dimer assays in clinical samples. Seminars in Vasc Medicine 2005;5:328-339.
  • Arnout J, Sales M, Arza B et al. Clinical management study of venous thromboembolism using HemosIL D-dimer. (abstr) ISTH, August 6-12, Sydney Australia, 2005.
  • Hart DJ, Hutchman G, Cuthbert RJG. Evaluation of an automated latex D-dimer immunoassay in the clinical assessment of suspected venous thromboembolism. Clin. Lab. Haem. 2002;24:171-174.
  • Stokol T, Brooks MB, Erb HN, Mauldin GE. D-dimer concentrations in healthy dogs and dogs with disseminated intravascular coagulation Am J Vet Res 2000;61:393-398.