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  • Cornell is closed until Monday, Jan. 26 at noon due to the snowstorm affecting the region. Deliveries to the laboratory may be delayed due to weather, thus impacting expected turnaround times.  We apologize for the challenges this may cause.

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.