D-Dimer Test: Price, Normal Range, Preparation & Results

What Is a D-Dimer Test?

The D-Dimer test checks for D-dimer, a protein fragment released during fibrin degradation - the breakdown of blood clots.

Blood clots are formed when you are injured to stop the bleeding and dissolve after their work is done. D-dimer is typically not found in the blood unless the body is forming or dissolving blood clots.

This test is used to help diagnose or rule out various clotting disorders, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).

D-Dimer Test Price

The D-Dimer test cost is around ₹1320. The D-Dimer test price includes home sample collection within 60 minutes of booking the D-Dimer test or at your convenience. Orange Health Labs offers this test at reasonable rates with the added convenience of home testing. The price of the test may vary depending on the location and the laboratory selected. The cost of the D-Dimer test in other cities is as follows:

D-Dimer Test Cost Across India

S.No	Test In City	Price
1	D-dimer Test in Bangalore	₹ 1320
2	D-dimer Test in Gurgaon	₹ 1320
3	D-dimer Test in Delhi	₹ 1320
4	D-dimer Test in Hyderabad	₹ 1320
5	D-dimer Test in Mumbai	₹ 1320
6	D-dimer Test in Noida	₹ 1320

Preparations Before the D-Dimer Test

It is important to follow these precautions before the test, as certain factors can influence the results.

Fasting Requirements: There is no need to fast before a D-Dimer test, so you can eat and drink normally before your appointment.

Medications and Supplements: Inform your doctor if you are taking medications such as anticoagulants (e.g., aspirin), which are used to prevent and treat blood clots as they can influence the results of your D-Dimer test. Be sure to review your test results with your doctor, who can provide an interpretation based on your specific circumstances.

Smoking and Lifestyle Factors: Refrain from smoking and avoid greasy foods before the test, as it can affect the results.

D-Dimer Test Procedure

The D-Dimer Test requires a blood sample, which will be collected by a professional eMedic from Orange Health Labs at your location. The sample collection process is as follows:

Preparation: You will be asked to be seated comfortably, and the eMedic will explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have.
Site Selection: The eMedic will choose a vein, typically in the inner elbow area, and clean the area with an antiseptic wipe.
Needle Insertion: A needle will be inserted into the vein to draw blood, which may cause a mild pinch or sting.
Blood Collection: The necessary amount of blood will be collected into a vial.
Needle Removal: After blood collection, the needle will be removed, and the technician will apply pressure to the site using a gauze pad to stop any bleeding.
Bandaging: A small bandage will be applied to the puncture site to protect it.

The entire process is quick and minimally invasive, and you can expect your results within hours to a day.

Why Take the D-Dimer Test?

The D-Dimer blood test is primarily done to check for blood clot formation and breakdown in the body, which is indicated by the presence of D-dimer, a fragment produced when a blood clot dissolves. The test is commonly used in diagnosing and assessing conditions involving abnormal clotting, such as DVT, PE, and stroke risk. Elevated D-dimer levels can also be indicative of complications in severe COVID- cases, where clotting and inflammation play a significant role in disease progression. D-dimer levels help in the assessment of blood clot-related issues and guide treatment decisions.

In suspected cases of DVT or PE, a ‘Wells score’ may be used to determine the necessity of a D-Dimer test.

D-dimer is also considered a potential biomarker for monitoring tumour progression and metastasis. Elevated D-dimer levels may be associated with cancer progression, especially in breast, gastric, colon, rectal, and pancreatic cancers.

Who Should Take the D-Dimer Test?

The D-Dimer test is recommended for individuals with symptoms of clotting disorders, such as swelling, pain, or redness in the legs (suggesting DVT), or sudden shortness of breath or chest pain (indicating PE). It is also useful for patients with high-risk conditions that increase the likelihood of clot formation, including:

Recent surgery, which may increase the risk of developing blood clots
Pregnancy, as the body undergoes changes that can increase clotting risk
Infections, which can trigger inflammation and abnormal clotting
Severe illnesses like COVID-, where clotting complications are more common

The test helps identify or rule out clot-related problems and is a valuable tool in monitoring individuals with certain medical conditions that predispose them to clots.

Signs That You May Need a D-Dimer Test

The D-Dimer test may be necessary if you are experiencing signs and symptoms of a blood clotting disorder or event, such as DVT or PE.

Symptoms of DVT in the leg include:

Leg pain or tenderness
Swelling in the leg
Unexplained bruising or bleeding
Skin that feels warm to the touch

Symptoms of PE include:

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Coughing
Chest pain
Rapid heartbeat or breathing

The symptoms of a DVT and PE can also overlap with blood clots due to other conditions, such as infections, inflammation, or recent surgery. The D-Dimer test helps doctors determine whether further tests are needed.

Blood clotting disorders like DVT and PE are life-threatening; therefore, you should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any signs or symptoms of a blood clotting event.

D-Dimer Test Results & Interpretation

The table below displays the D-dimer levels and interpretation of abnormal results.

D-dimer Levels	D-dimer Levels’ Interpretation
<0.5 µg/mL (500 ng/mL)	Normal levels indicate a low risk of clot formation or clot breakdown. Low levels are also considered normal.
>0.5 µg/mL (500 ng/mL)	High levels may indicate clotting disorders such as DVT, PE, or DIC. Further testing is required.

FAQs on D-Dimer Test

D-Dimer Test Cost in Bangalore: ₹ 1320
D-Dimer Test Price in Delhi: ₹ 1320
D-Dimer Test Cost in Gurgaon: ₹ 1320
D-Dimer Test Price in Hyderabad: ₹ 1320
D-Dimer Test Cost in Mumbai: ₹ 1320
D-Dimer Test Price in Noida: ₹ 1320

A normal D-dimer level is generally considered to be less than . µg/mL (micrograms per millilitre), although the exact threshold can vary depending on the laboratory and the testing method used.

A high D-dimer level may indicate the presence of abnormal clotting or clot breakdown, often associated with conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), or disseminated intravascular coagulation. However, elevated levels can also occur in other conditions, such as severe infections or recent surgery.

No, fasting is not required before a D-Dimer test.

Yes, pregnancy can affect D-dimer results. During pregnancy, especially in the later stages, D-dimer levels naturally increase. This can make it more challenging to interpret the results; therefore, additional tests may be needed to confirm or rule out conditions like DVT or PE.

If your D-Dimer test results are high, your doctor will likely order additional imaging tests to determine the presence and location of any blood clots. These tests may include a Doppler ultrasound, CT angiography, or a lung ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan, depending on your symptoms and clinical risk factors. Further evaluation is needed to confirm the diagnosis and guide appropriate treatment.

D-Dimer test is primarily used to rule out the presence of venous blood clots, such as those in the legs (DVT) or lungs (PE). If your D-dimer result is negative, it is highly unlikely that you have a significant blood clot. However, a positive D-dimer result does not confirm the presence of a blood clot, as D-dimer levels can be elevated in various other conditions, such as infection, inflammation, or cancer. Therefore, while a negative D-Dimer test helps exclude blood clots, it is not reliable for confirming or diagnosing them. Further tests, such as imaging scans, are often needed for an accurate diagnosis.

Reference

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/d-dimer-test

https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/d-dimer-test/

What Does the D-Dimer Test Measure?

The D-Dimer test measures the amount of D-dimer in the blood.
A blood clot is formed to stop bleeding in case of an injury. When the blood clot serves its purpose and is no longer needed, it undergoes fibrinolysis (breakdown of the clot). D-dimer, a small protein fragment, is released during this process.
Higher than normal levels of D-dimer indicate increased clotting activity, suggesting the presence of abnormal clotting events; conditions such as DVT, PE, or other clotting disorders; or complications in conditions like severe COVID-. However, high D-dimer levels can also occur in other situations, such as infection or inflammation; therefore, the test results should be correlated with other clinical assessments for a more accurate diagnosis.

D-Dimer Test Normal Range

The D-dimer normal values typically vary based on the testing method, but the D-dimer normal range is generally considered to be less than 0.5 µg/mL

If your results show low, negative, or normal D-dimer levels, it suggests that you are unlikely to have a clotting disorder. For individuals undergoing treatment for DIC, a normal or low D-dimer level is often a sign that the treatment is effective.

Please note that the D-Dimer test can be positive in individuals without clotting issues, including older adults, pregnant individuals, smokers, those who have recently had surgery, or people with conditions like severe infections.

What Affects Your D-Dimer Test Results?

Factors that can affect your D-Dimer test results include:

Age: Older individuals may have higher baseline D-dimer levels due to inactivity and immobilisation.
Recent surgery or trauma: After surgery or an injury, the body may produce higher levels of D-dimer as part of the healing process, which could lead to a false positive result.
Pregnancy: Pregnant individuals may have naturally elevated D-dimer levels due to changes in the body's clotting system, which can affect test outcomes.
Chronic inflammatory diseases: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can cause elevated Ddimer levels even in the absence of blood clots, leading to potentially misleading results.
Certain medications (e.g., anticoagulants): Medications that prevent or treat blood clots, such as anticoagulants, can influence D-dimer levels and may cause them to be elevated, even if there are no clotting issues.

When to Seek Medical Advice Based on D-Dimer Test Results

You should seek medical advice if your D-Dimer test results are elevated, particularly if you have symptoms or risk factors for clotting disorders. High D-dimer levels can suggest conditions like DVT, PE, or DIC. Symptoms that warrant further evaluation include:

Swelling, pain, or redness in the legs (indicating DVT)
Sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing up blood (indicating PE)
Unexplained bruising, bleeding, or organ dysfunction (possible DIC)

In these cases, high D-dimer levels typically require further testing, such as ultrasound, CT scan, or angiography, to confirm or rule out the presence of blood clots. Elevated D-dimer levels in the context of severe illnesses like COVID- also require prompt medical attention, as clotting complications can significantly impact recovery. Always consult with a healthcare provider who can interpret your results in the context of your symptoms and other medical conditions.

Key Benefits of the D-Dimer Test

The D-Dimer test offers several key benefits in diagnosing and managing clotting disorders: .

Is non-invasive and quick: The D-Dimer test is a simple blood test that can be performed quickly, offering a non-invasive way to assess clotting activity and avoid more invasive procedures unless necessary.
Allows early detection of clotting disorders: The D-Dimer test helps identify the presence of abnormal blood clotting, enabling early intervention and treatment.
Helps rule out DVT and PE in low-risk cases: A negative D-dimer result can effectively rule out DVT or PE in individuals with low risk, reducing the need for more invasive testing.
Guides treatment decisions: By identifying the likelihood of clotting disorders, the test helps doctors make informed decisions about further diagnostic testing and treatment options.
Is valuable in managing COVID- complications: In patients with severe COVID-, elevated D-dimer levels can indicate an increased risk of clotting complications, such as thromboembolism. The test can be crucial for guiding management in these critically ill patients.
Assessing the risk in high-risk populations: In patients with underlying conditions such as cancer, heart disease, or a history of previous blood clots, the D-Dimer test can help assess ongoing risk and detect any early signs of new clotting events.

Common Conditions Diagnosed by a D-Dimer Test

High levels of D-dimer indicate increased clotting activity and may be associated with several conditions, such as:

Deep Vein Thrombosis: DVT usually presents as a blood clot in the deep veins, usually in the legs, which causes symptoms like swelling, pain, or redness.
Pulmonary Embolism: In this condition, a blood clot travels to the lungs, leading to chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood.
Stroke: Clots can block blood flow to the brain, resulting in elevated D-dimer levels.
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation: A life-threatening condition where abnormal clotting and bleeding occur throughout the body.
COVID- complications: Severe cases of COVID- often show high D-dimer levels due to clotting issues like PE, DVT, or DIC, which can complicate recovery.

Low levels of D-dimer typically suggest a low risk of clotting disorders. In these cases, a negative result can help rule out DVT or PE, particularly in low-risk individuals, reducing the need for more invasive testing like ultrasound or CT scans.

Risk Factors for Elevated D-Dimer Levels

Several factors can contribute to elevated D-dimer levels, as follows:

Recent surgery or trauma: After surgery or injury, the body may produce more D-dimer as part of the healing process, which can lead to elevated D-dimer levels.
Cancer or chemotherapy: Cancer and treatments like chemotherapy can increase the risk of blood clots and lead to higher D-dimer levels as a result of clotting activity in the body.
Pregnancy: Pregnancy naturally increases D-dimer levels due to changes in the body's clotting system, which helps prevent excessive bleeding during childbirth but can lead to elevated test results.
Inflammatory diseases: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can cause elevated D-dimer levels even in the absence of blood clots, as inflammation can trigger clotting activity.
Severe infections (e.g., COVID- and sepsis): Severe infections, such as COVID- or sepsis, can lead to the formation of blood clots, increasing D-dimer levels as the body attempts to manage both clotting and inflammation. The D-Dimer test in COVID is often used to assess the risk of clotting complications, as elevated levels have been associated with severe disease progression.

Other factors, such as advanced age, liver disease, or a history of previous blood clots, may also contribute to elevated D-dimer levels. Therefore, elevated D-dimer level is not specific to one condition, and levels must be interpreted in the context of a person’s overall health and clinical symptoms.

Complications From Untreated Elevated D-Dimer Levels

Untreated high D-dimer levels can indicate serious and life-threatening conditions, such as stroke, DVT, and PE. These conditions are linked to abnormal blood clotting and, if not addressed promptly, can lead to severe complications. For example, untreated DVT can result in a clot traveling to the lungs, causing a PE, which can be fatal. Similarly, a stroke can occur due to a blood clot blocking blood flow to the brain, resulting in permanent neurological damage or death.

Delaying treatment for high D-dimer levels can lead to permanent damage or fatal complications, especially if the underlying clotting disorder remains undiagnosed or untreated. Timely intervention, such as anticoagulant therapy or clot removal procedures, is critical to prevent these severe outcomes and improve patient prognosis. Hence, it is essential to seek medical attention as soon as high D-dimer levels are detected to prevent irreversible damage to the vital organs or the risk of death.

How to Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key to reducing the risk of blood clots and promoting vascular health. Here are some essential tips to help you stay healthy:

Stay Active: Regular physical activity, like walking or swimming, improves circulation and reduces the risk of clot formation. Avoid prolonged periods of immobility, such as sitting for long hours, to support healthy blood flow.
Eat a Balanced Diet: A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega- fatty acids, supports vascular health and reduces inflammation.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight through exercise and diet helps prevent clotting disorders and supports overall cardiovascular health.
Regular Health Check-Ups: Regular checkups, especially for at-risk individuals, allow for early detection of issues like elevated D-dimer levels.
Quitting smoking: Smoking increases the risk of clotting events. If you smoke, quitting smoking is an important step in reducing clotting risks...

By adopting these habits, you can effectively reduce the risk of blood clots and promote long-term health.

Other Similar Tests That Can Diagnose the Same

Here are some other tests that can help diagnose blood clotting disorders:

Prothrombin Time (PT)/ INR: Measures the time it takes for blood to clot and monitors blood-thinning treatments like warfarin.
Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT): Assesses the functionality of clotting factors in the intrinsic pathway and is used to monitor heparin therapy.
Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT): Similar to PTT, but with an activator for more specificity, commonly used to monitor heparin therapy.
Anti-Factor Xa Levels: Measures the effect of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), often used to ensure adequate levels in certain populations, such as those with obesity or renal insufficiency.
Fibrinogen Test: Measures the level of fibrinogen, a protein essential for blood clot formation, which can indicate clotting disorders or inflammation.
Thrombin Time (TT): Assesses the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin and can help diagnose clotting abnormalities like DIC or fibrinogen deficiency.
Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor- (PAI-): Measures the levels of PAI-, which regulates fibrinolysis, and can indicate a prothrombotic state (increased tendency for abnormal clotting).
Antithrombin III (ATIII) Levels: Evaluates the presence of antithrombin III, a natural anticoagulant, to assess thromboembolic risk.

These tests, along with the D-Dimer test, can be used in combination to assess clotting disorders and guide treatment.

The Difference Between the D-Dimer Test and Other Similar Tests

The D-dimer test is one of several tests used to assess blood clotting. While it detects fibrin degradation products, other tests evaluate different aspects of the clotting process. Here’ s how the D-Dimer test compares to other similar tests that evaluate clotting and coagulation issues:

D-Dimer Test vs. PT/ INR: The D-Dimer test identifies clot breakdown, while the PT/INR test measures how long it takes for blood to clot, often used to monitor blood-thinning treatments like warfarin.
D-Dimer Test vs. aPTT: The D-Dimer test can detect clot breakdown, while the aPTT checks the function of specific clotting factors and is commonly used to monitor heparin therapy or clotting factor problems.
D-Dimer Test vs. Anti-Factor Xa Levels: The D-Dimer test detects clot breakdown, while the anti-factor Xa test monitors the effectiveness of low molecular weight heparin.
D-Dimer Test vs. Fibrinogen Test: The fibrinogen test measures fibrinogen, a protein essential for clot formation, while the D-Dimer test detects fibrin fragments from clot dissolution.
D-Dimer Test vs. TT: The TT test evaluates how well fibrinogen converts into fibrin, useful for detecting clotting problems or fibrinogen deficiencies, whereas the D-Dimer test assesses clot breakdown
D-Dimer Test vs. PAI-: The D-Dimer test looks for clot breakdown products, while the PAI- test measures a protein that regulates clot breakdown, helping assess the risk of excessive clotting.
D-Dimer Test vs. ATIII Levels: The D-Dimer test shows whether there is active clot breakdown, while the ATIII test measures the activity of a protein that naturally prevents clotting, helping to identify a risk of abnormal clotting.

Each test provides different insights into clotting problems and is used based on the specific situation at hand.

Testing During Special Conditions

Certain conditions and circumstances may require special consideration when performing a D-Dimer test or interpreting its results.

Pregnancy: D-dimer levels naturally increase, especially in later stages, making interpretation difficult. Other tests may be used for DVT or PE diagnosis.
Post-Surgery or Trauma: D-dimer levels may rise during healing, not necessarily indicating a clot, necessitating additional tests for clarity.
Severe Infections (e.g., COVID-, sepsis): Infections can elevate D-dimer levels, so it is important to distinguish if high D-dimer levels are due to clotting or infection-related..
Cancer or Chemotherapy: Cancer and treatments like chemotherapy can raise D-dimer levels. Since cancer increases clot risk, the test is often combined with other methods for an accurate diagnosis.

In these special conditions, doctors often combine the D-Dimer test with other clinical assessments and imaging techniques for a more comprehensive understanding of the patient's health.

D-Dimer Test Overview

Test Name	D-dimer Test
Price	The D-dimer Test price is ₹ 1320.
Also Known As	Fibrin Degradation Fragment, Fragment D-dimer, Cross-linked fibrin degradation product (XDP) test
Purpose	To Identify blood clots and the risk of clotting events
Pre-test Information	Fasting is not required for a D-dimer Test
Report Delivery	Get reports within 10 hours.
Frequency	As prescribed by your doctor.
Home Testing	Yes, home blood sample collection in 60 minutes from booking.
Sample Required	A blood sample is required for a D-dimer Test