Ddimerbloedtest

Ddimerbloedtest, also known as a D-dimer test, is a laboratory blood test used to detect the presence of D-dimer in the blood. D-dimer is a protein fragment that is produced when a blood clot dissolves in the body. Elevated levels of D-dimer in the blood can indicate that a person has a blood clot.

The D-dimer test is most commonly used to help diagnose or rule out deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). These are serious conditions where blood clots form in the deep veins of the legs or lungs, respectively. A negative D-dimer test in a patient with a low pre-test probability of these conditions can effectively rule them out. However, a positive D-dimer test does not confirm the presence of a clot, as other conditions can also cause elevated D-dimer levels, such as recent surgery, trauma, infection, cancer, or pregnancy.

The test is performed on a blood sample that is drawn from a vein, usually in the arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. The results are typically available within a few hours. Treatment for blood clots often involves anticoagulant medications, which help to prevent further clot formation and allow the body to dissolve existing clots. The D-dimer test plays a crucial role in the diagnostic pathway for suspected thromboembolic events.