D-Dimer Test
What Is a D-Dimer Test?
The D-dimer test measures the presence of D-dimer in a person’s blood, a protein fragment
released when a blood clot dissolves. In healthy individuals, D-dimer levels are usually
very low. Elevated levels can indicate that the body is forming and breaking down clots more
than normal, which may signal the presence of a blood clotting disorder or
other underlying conditions.
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 Cost
At ATA Medical, we provide the D-dimer test and other blood
tests at the following price:
|
Test
|
Price*
|
| Consultation |
From $38.15 |
| 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 provide customised blood tests and health screening
packages, including the option for home health
screenings or blood tests at your preferred location for added convenience. Please contact
us for more information.
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
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
Navigate to Us
ATA Medical (Anson House)
Nearest MRT: EW15 Tanjong Pagar
ATA Medical (Camden Medical Centre)
Nearest MRT: TE13 Orchard Boulevard
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.
