Lab Dept:

Coagulation

Test Name:

D DIMER TITER

General Information

Lab Order Codes:

DDIT (titer)

Synonyms:

D-dimer titer

CPT Codes:

85379 – Fibrin degradation products, D-dimer; quantitative

Test Includes:

D-dimer titer reported in ng/mL.

Logistics

Test Indications:

Useful for the detection of deep vein thrombosis, evaluation of acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina, and in following a leukemia patient’s chemotherapy.

Lab Testing Sections:

Coagulation

Phone Numbers:

Minneapolis:

Saint Paul:

612-813-6280

651-220-6550

Test Availability:

Daily, 24 hours

Turnaround Time:

2 hours

Special Instructions:

N/A

Specimen

Specimen Type:

Whole blood

Container:

Light Blue top tube (Buffered Na Citrate 3.2%)

Draw Volume:

1.8 mL for 3 coagulation tests or less

2.7 mL for 4 coagulation tests or if factor assay is ordered

Processed Volume:

N/A

Collection:

A clean venipuncture is essential. Patient’s with hematocrit levels >55% must have a special tube made to adjust for the hematocrit; contact laboratory for special tube.

Deliver immediately to the laboratory.

Indicate when specimen is drawn from a line or a heparin lock.

Refrigerate specimen if there is a delay in transport of 30 minutes or more.

Special Processing:

Lab Staff: Centrifuge immediately upon arrival in laboratory.

Patient Preparation:

None

Sample Rejection:

Improper tube, Clotted sample, Overfilled tube, Underfilled tube, Mislabled or unlabeled specimens

Interpretive

Reference Range:

<500 ng/mL

Critical Values:

N/A

Limitations:

Elevated D-dimer levels are not specific for the presence of DIC or of deep vein thrombosis. False-positive or false-negative results may occur when attempting to confirm a diagnosis of DIC.

Methodology:

Monoclonal Antibodies Attached to Latex Particles

References:

Harmening DH (1997) Clinical Hematology and Fundamentals of Hemostasis