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D-Dimer Test

A d-dimer test is a blood test that measures a substance (fibrin) that is released as a blood clot breaks up. D-dimer levels are often higher than normal in people who have a blood clot; but other conditions, such as cancer, also may cause high d-dimer levels.

A low d-dimer test result means that a blood clot in the leg or the lung (pulmonary embolism) is unlikely.

Last Revised: December 28, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Jeffrey S. Ginsberg, MD - Hematology

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