The D-Dimer is a terminal product in the degradation of fibrin. The D-Dimer is proof that the fibrinolytic system is responding to some coagulation activation.

Increased levels of the D-Dimer are seen in:

• DIC
• Thromboses: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or in Pulmonary Emboli (PE). The D-Dimer can be used as a negative predictor value to rule out these conditions.
• Other activation of coagulation system: Cancers, post-operative stage, cirrhosis, hemorrhages.

Lt blue Sodium citrate (Na Cit) - 2.7mL

If the patient has a hematocrit >55, a specially prepared Lt blue Sodium citrate (NaCit) tube must be used in place of the standard Lt blue Sodium citrate (NaCit) tube.

Hematocrit-Anticoagulant adjustments

• Do not over or under fill tube as the ratio of anticoagulant to whole blood is critical

Coag – tube fill guidelines

• Immediately following collection, mix sample thoroughly by gentle inverting 8 - 10 times to prevent clotting

• Process Platelet Poor Plasma (P.P.P)
  • Coag – how to prepare a specimen for special coagulation testing
• Transfer plasma into an aliquot tube using a spot label "NaCit Plasma P.P.P" to label as platelet poor plasma
• Freeze immediately

Microcentrifuge vial/tube in a Snap cap conical vial/tube and cap (Beaker sites)

Coagulation specimen transport vial/tube  (all other sites)

Send whole blood sample in original collection container with STAT courier.

Must be tested within 4 hours of collection.

Lt blue Sodium citrate (NaCit) - 2.7mL

Plasma: 

Frozen (strict)

Refrigerated - NO

Whole blood:

Ambient - 4 hours

Refrigerated - NO

• Improper label (unlabeled or mislabeled)
• Improper anticoagulant
• Improperly filled tube
• Hemolysis
• Clotted specimen
• Delay in transport/exceeds standard testing time
• Improper storage/transport temperature
• Unlabled specimen
• Patient on heparin > 1.0 IU/mL
• Specimens collected in Grenier tubesPlasma samples that are not completely frozen

Immuno-turbidimetric

< 0.5 µg/mL