D-dimer

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Differential Diagnosis

  • Factors that can cause false-negative D-dimer
    • Symptoms of PE > 3 days
    • Small PE
    • Use of qualitative latex fixation test
    • Use of anticoagulants
  • Factors that can cause false-positive D-dimer

Evaluation

  • Traditional cutoff value = 500
  • Age-adjusted (for over 50 years old) = age x 10
    • Maintains high sensitivity while increasing specificity[1]

See Also

External Links

External Links

References

  1. Sharp AL, et al. An Age-Adjusted D-dimer Threshold for Emergency Department Patients with Suspected Pulmonary Embolus: Accuracy and Clinical Implications. Feb 2016. Annals of EM. 67(2);249-257.