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D-DIMER: (089-0442)
Clinical Indication:

 Detects elevated levels of cross-linked fibrin derivatives associated with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and other thrombotic conditions.
Test Mnemonic:

 DDIMER
Methodology:

 Immuno-turbidimetric method, measured photo-optically at 540 nm. STA-Liatest Ddimer kit.
Performed:

  Accepted 24 hours/day at Sample Management, Room 5.136 McCullough.
Turnaround Time:

 STAT: 1 hour; ROUTINE: 4 hours
Specimen Requirements:

Collect: Routine venipuncture; discard 1st mL of blood or collect other tubes (EDTA, red-topped) prior to collecting sample in blue-topped (3.2% sodium-citrate) tube.

Specimen Preparation: Samples should be received in laboratory within ˝ hour of draw for best results.  Acceptable up to 4 hours after draw, at ROOM TEMPERATURE.

Specimen: Blood

Volume: 2.7ml

Minimum Volume: Call Lab

Storage/Transport: NOTE: If delivery time is to be greater than 4 hours from time of draw, centrifuge the specimen for 15 minutes at 2000-2500g.  Separate the plasma from the cells and snap freeze (-200C) the plasma.

Stability: Plasma storage: 8 hrs at 20 +/- 5C.  1 month at -20C.  Whole blood 4 hours at room temperature.

Causes for Rejection: QNS, clotted, severely hemolyzed specimen, specimen greater than 4 hours old, wrong tube (3.8% sodium citrate), high hematocrit (> 55%), identification error, sample processed/transported, and/or stored improperly.
Clinical Information:

Interfering Substances: Rheumatoid factor, extremely high triglyceride level, lipemia, icterus, hemolysis.
Reference Range:

<0.41 ug FEU/mL
Note:

 Increased levels of Ddimer have been reported in the post-operative period, cancers, hemorrhages, and severe infections. In various studies of STA-Liatest Ddimer kit, it has been reported that with a cut-off value of 0.50 ug/ml (FEU), the negative predictive value (NPV) regarding the exclusion of thrombosis (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolisms) was within the 95-100% range.
CPT 4 Code:

 85379
Reviewed: 3/27/12 M. Abad, MLS (ASCP)CM, SH

When ordering tests for which Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement will be sought, physicians should only order tests that are medically necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of the patient.  Components of the organ or disease panels may be ordered individually.  The diagnostic information must substantiate all tests ordered and must be in the form of an ICD-9 code or its verbal equivalent.

 

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