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Samuel Nweke: Interpreting D-Dimer Results
Samuel Nweke/LinkedIn
Oct 21, 2025, 06:58

Samuel Nweke: Interpreting D-Dimer Results

Samuel Nweke, Deputy Lab Manager and Chairman of Quality Management Team at Malens Diagnostics, shared on LinkedIn:

”Interpreting D-Dimer Results

  • High risk of DVT + High D-dimer → confirm DVT with Doppler ultrasound
  • High risk of PE + High D-dimer → confirm PE with CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA)
  • High D-dimer + signs of DIC → suggests systemic clotting → perform coagulation profile and platelet assay

Hint:

  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) – D-dimer is often >1.0 μg/mL FEU.
    These are clots in deep veins, mostly in the legs, causing swelling, pain, and warmth.
  • Pulmonary Embolism (PE) – D-dimer is often >1.0 μg/mL FEU.
    A clot travels to the lungs, causing

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) (D-dimer is markedly elevated, sometimes >10 μg/mL)
This is a severe condition presenting with signs and symptoms such as:

  1. Oozing from venipuncture or IV sites (classic early sign)
  2. Bleeding from gums or nose
  3. Prolonged bleeding after injections or surgery
  4. Hematuria (blood in urine)
  5. Gastrointestinal bleeding (vomiting blood, blood in stool)
  6. Petechiae and ecchymoses (tiny or large bruises on the skin)
  7. Heavy vaginal bleeding (especially postpartum)

DIC is seen in sepsis, trauma, cancer, or obstetric complications.

Laboratory Findings in DIC:

  • Platelet count: decreased → platelet consumption
  • PT (Prothrombin Time): prolonged → factor depletion
  • aPTT (Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time): prolonged → factor depletion
  • Fibrinogen: low → consumed during clotting
  • D-dimer: high → indicates fibrinolysis (breakdown of clots)
  • Peripheral smear: schistocytes (fragmented red blood cells).”

Samuel Nweke

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aPTT bleeding clot Coagulation Test D dimer DIC Doppler Ultrasound DVT fibrinogen Hematology Hemostasis Today Medicine PE Platelet PT Pulmonary embolism Samuel Nweke Schistocytes thrombosis
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