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:
- Oozing from venipuncture or IV sites (classic early sign)
- Bleeding from gums or nose
- Prolonged bleeding after injections or surgery
- Hematuria (blood in urine)
- Gastrointestinal bleeding (vomiting blood, blood in stool)
- Petechiae and ecchymoses (tiny or large bruises on the skin)
- 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).”
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