D-DIMER (089-0442)

CPT 4 Code:  85379

Test Order Mnemonic: DDIMER

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

Request Form: Hematology A

Collection: Routine venipuncture. Discard 1st ml of blood or collect other tubes (EDTA, Serum-separator, etc.) prior to collecting sample in citrate (light blue-top tube).

Storage Instructions: Viable for 4 hours at room temperature. If time from draw to delivery is to be greater than 4 hours, centrifuge the sample, separate the plasma from cells, and snap freeze the plasma (-70° C). Snap frozen plasma is viable for six (6) months.

Causes for Rejection: QNS; clotted; severe hemolysis, icterus or lipemia, greater than 4 hours old, wrong tube (3.8% sodium citrate), identification error,, improper processing, storage, or transport.

Availability: Accepted 24 hours/day at Sample Management, Room 5.136 McCullough

Turnaround Time:    STAT: 1 hour   ROUTINE: 4 hours

Special Instructions: Deliver sample to lab within ½ hour for best results. Accepted up to 4 hours at room temperature

Specimen: Blood

Volume: 4.5 ml

Min Volume: Call Lab

Container: 3.2% Sodium citrate tube (light blue-top)

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.

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

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

Reviewed 10/10/07 by W. Russo, MT(ASCP)