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D-Dimer Test

Dr. Leonard Leng of ATA Medical Singapore.
Medically Reviewed By: Dr Leonard Leng – MBBS, MMed (FM), GDOM, DWD
Last updated: Dec 20, 2025

What Is a D-Dimer Test?

The D-dimer test measures the level of D-dimer protein fragments in your blood. These fragments are released when a blood clot breaks down.

In healthy individuals, D-dimer levels are typically very low. Elevated levels may indicate that the body is forming and dissolving blood clots more frequently than normal, which could suggest a blood clotting disorder or other underlying conditions.

This test is commonly used to help rule out or detect conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).

D-dimer test blood sample in a gloved hand for laboratory testing to detect clots.

How Does Blood Clotting Work?

Blood clotting is the body’s natural process to stop bleeding when a blood vessel is damaged. Platelets, which are tiny blood cells, quickly gather at the site of the injury to create a temporary seal or plug. Meanwhile, the body produces fibrin, a substance that acts like glue, holding the platelets together to form a stronger, more stable clot. Once the injury heals, the body breaks down the clot, releasing small fragments like D-dimer into the bloodstream.

Why Is a D-Dimer Test Performed?

A D-dimer test is used to detect abnormal blood clotting and is commonly performed to evaluate or rule out the following conditions:

Condition Common Causes Symptoms & Complications
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Prolonged immobility (e.g., travel, bed rest, after surgery), vein injury, cancer, or clotting disorders. Swelling, pain, warmth, redness, and tenderness in the leg. Can be asymptomatic.

Untreated clots may travel to the lungs, causing pulmonary embolism.
Pulmonary Embolism (PE) Often caused by clots travelling to the lungs, frequently from DVT. Other risk factors include surgery, immobility, or cancer. Sudden shortness of breath, chest pain (worse with deep breathing), rapid heart rate, and coughing (sometimes with blood).

Severe cases can cause low oxygen, lung damage, heart failure, or death.
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) Triggered by severe infections (e.g., sepsis), trauma, cancer, or pregnancy complications (e.g., placental abruption). Bleeding (e.g., gums, surgical sites), bruising, and signs of clots (pain, swelling).

Can cause organ damage and life-threatening bleeding as substances needed to form clots deplete.

How Is the Test Performed?

The D-dimer test is a simple procedure where a blood sample is drawn and sent to a laboratory to measure D-dimer levels. No special preparation is required.

Interpreting Test Results

D-dimer test results can be negative, positive, normal, low, or high. A negative result or normal levels usually rule out abnormal clotting activity, especially in low-risk cases. Low levels are typically not a concern and suggest no significant clotting issues. A positive result or high levels indicate increased clot formation and breakdown in the body. However, this test is not specific, meaning elevated levels can occur due to various reasons, such as pregnancy, surgery, infection, or cancer. Further tests, like an ultrasound or CT scan, may be recommended by your doctor to identify the exact cause.

D-dimer test laboratory form and blood sample for diagnosing clotting disorders.

D-Dimer Test Cost

At ATA Medical, we provide the D-dimer test and other blood tests at the following price:

Test Price*
Consultation From $49.05
D-dimer test $150.42
Full Blood Count $17.44
Full Blood Count (with ESR) $26.16
*Prices are NETT and inclusive of GST.

We also offer personalized blood tests and health screening packages. These include options for home health screenings or blood tests at your chosen location to make the process more convenient. Please reach out to us for further details.

How Long Does a D-Dimer Test Take?

A blood test at our clinic usually lasts between 30-60 minutes during off-peak periods. Your results will be ready in 3-5 days and your doctor will inform you of the results via a phone call or email.

Where to Do a D-Dimer Test?

ATA Medical @ Orchard

Address: 1 Orchard Blvd, #05-09 Camden Medical Centre, Singapore 248649
Nearest MRT: Orchard Boulevard Station (TE13)
Contact Number: 6223 0682
Email: camden@atamed.sg
Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Sat: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Sun & PH: Closed
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ATA Medical @ Tanjong Pagar

Address: 72 Anson Rd, #01-02 Anson House, Singapore 079911
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar Station (EW15)
Contact Number: 6223 0682
Email: hi@atamed.sg
Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Sat: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Sun & PH: Closed
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ATA Medical @ Jurong

Address: 21 Jurong Gateway Rd, #02-08 CPF Jurong Building, Singapore 608546
Nearest MRT: Jurong East MRT Station (NS1/EW24)
Contact Number: 6348 6292
Email: hi@atamed.sg
Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Sat: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Sun & PH: Closed
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ATA Medical (Anson House)

Nearest MRT: EW15 Tanjong Pagar

ATA Medical (Camden Medical Centre)

Nearest MRT: TE13 Orchard Boulevard

ATA Medical (CPF Jurong Building)

Nearest MRT: NS1/EW24 Jurong East

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

A high D-dimer result means that your body is forming and breaking down blood clots more than usual. This can indicate conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), but it can also be elevated due to other factors like surgery, infection, or pregnancy.
A positive D-dimer result isn’t always cause for concern, as it is not specific to any one condition. While it may point to clotting disorders or other underlying conditions, further tests are usually needed to confirm the exact cause. It is important to discuss the result with your doctor if you are unsure.
The D-dimer test itself does not cause symptoms. However, symptoms that might lead a doctor to order the test include swelling, pain, or redness in the legs, which could indicate deep vein thrombosis, or sudden shortness of breath and chest pain, which may suggest pulmonary embolism.
There is no universal normal range for D-dimer levels, as different test providers may use various testing methods and thresholds. Some laboratories apply age-adjusted ranges, particularly for individuals over 50, but these can vary. It is important to discuss your results with your doctor, who can interpret them in the context of your health and symptoms.
Elevated D-dimer suggests an underlying issue, such as DVT, PE, or inflammation. Treating the condition causing the clot formation is essential to bringing D-dimer levels back to normal. If your test results show high D-dimer levels, it is important to consult your doctor for appropriate follow-up and treatment.
Warning signs of a blood clot include swelling in one leg or arm, pain or tenderness (often in the calf or thigh), warmth and redness in the affected area, sudden shortness of breath, and chest pain that worsens with deep breathing. If you experience these symptoms persistently, it is vital to seek medical attention to identify the underlying cause.
Yes, elevated D-dimer levels can occur in situations such as pregnancy, surgery, or minor inflammation, which may not indicate a serious medical condition. However, it is important to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and to rule out any underlying issues.
The body naturally dissolves blood clots through a process called fibrinolysis, where an enzyme called plasmin breaks down the fibrin in the clot. However, persistent or larger clots can be problematic and often require medical treatment to prevent serious complications.
Cancers that often elevate D-dimer levels include those of the pancreas, lungs, ovaries, and gastrointestinal tract. Cancer-related clotting changes can increase D-dimer levels.
A D-dimer result that falls outside the normal range for the specific test used can be concerning, particularly if you have symptoms of a clot. Different D-dimer tests have varying thresholds, such as low, normal, high, or negative/positive. It is important to discuss your results with your doctor, who can interpret them in the context of your symptoms and recommend further investigation if necessary.
High D-dimer levels can be caused by clotting disorders such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Other causes include recent surgery, trauma, infections, cancer, pregnancy, inflammation, and advanced age.
Emotional or mental stress alone is unlikely to cause elevated D-dimer levels. However, severe physical stress, such as major surgery, critical illness, or trauma, can increase clot formation and breakdown, leading to elevated levels. Consulting a doctor is essential to identify the exact cause of high D-dimer levels.
Different D-dimer tests may have varying thresholds, and what is considered high depends on the laboratory and method used. Elevated levels are typically associated with increased clotting activity and may require further investigation, especially if symptoms are present. Always consult your doctor for interpretation based on your test and health condition.
Blood samples may clot due to delays in processing, incorrect use of anticoagulants in the collection tube, or insufficient mixing of the sample.
Blood clots are typically treated with anticoagulant medications to prevent further clots and allow the body to dissolve existing ones. Severe cases may require clot-dissolving drugs or surgical intervention.
At ATA Medical, we provide the D-dimer test at $150.42 NETT, inclusive of GST. This cost excludes consultation fees and any follow-up tests or treatments that may be required.
Inflammation from infections, autoimmune diseases, or conditions like sepsis can cause elevated D-dimer levels due to increased clotting activity.
A normal D-dimer result varies depending on the specific test and laboratory standards. Results may be reported as low, normal, high, or negative/positive, with each test having its own threshold. It is essential to consult your doctor to understand what your result means in the context of your health and the specific test used.