D-Dimer Test: Normal Range, Causes and Result

D-dimer is a substance in your blood and is a by-product of the blood clotting process [1]. D dimer normal range is 220 to 500 ng/mL which indicates that there is no sign of fatal blood clot in the body. It is released when the blood clot breaks down. Your body sends protein to clump your blood when you are bleeding due to injury. A clot is formed to stop the damaged vessel that’s bleeding. Once the bleeding stops, a protein sent by your body breaks down the clot. You are then left with small fragments in your blood known as the D-dimer test. These fragments should be within the D-dimer normal range.

D-dimer usually dissolves in your blood. However, if the clot doesn’t break up or form a new one, you will be left with a high D-dimer value. This can lead to certain medical conditions. A D-dimer test essentially detects the D-dimer level in your blood. Read on to know more about the D-dimer test, D-dimer normal range, and normal D-dimer level.

What Is a D-Dimer Test?

A D-dimer test is a blood test that helps your doctor recognize medical conditions and rule out dangerous types of blood clots including DVT and PE. If you have an abnormal D-dimer value, you will likely need more tests.

What is the D-Dimer Normal Range? 

A D-dimer normal range is anything less than 0.50 (or <500 ng/mL FEU). A D-dimer value more than the normal range of D-dimer test is considered as a high D-dimer. Therefore, a value above 0.50 is considered an abnormal D-dimer range. However, different labs do the test in their unique ways. Thus, D dimer normal range may differ.

Why Is a D-Dimer Test Done?

D-dimer test identifies the following blood clotting disorders.

1. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot that forms deep within a vein. They are most common in legs but can form in the deep venous system of the arms too. Some symptoms of DVT include leg pain or tenderness, swelling of the leg, redness, or red streaks on the legs. Almost all cases of DVT result in high D-dimer levels [3].

2. Pulmonary Embolism (PE) 

Pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that ends up in lung arteries after traveling from other parts of your body. It is located within the pulmonary vasculature and reduces the blood flow downstream of the clot. A high D-dimer normal range may indicate PE. Some symptoms of pulmonary embolism include cough, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, and breathing trouble [4]. Some patients can have large pulmonary emboli that can block the pulmonary arteries. When the PE is located in the main pulmonary arteries, it is known as saddle embolus [5].

3. Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)

Disseminated intravascular coagulation is a condition where blood clots form in vessels throughout the body. It is a rare disease that results from a problem with the coagulation cascade. In acute conditions, it can lead to excessive clot formation or bleeding, and can be fatal.

Causes of High D-Dimer level

What does Your D-Dimer Value Depict? 

If your results show D-dimer normal range, it means you probably do not have a blood clotting disorder. A high D-dimer range may indicate one or more clotting disorders. However, a D-dimer test cannot be the sole basis to diagnose conditions like DVT or PE. A high D-dimer can also occur due to other causes like pregnancy, heart disease, or surgery. If the D-dimer value is above normal, your doctor may order more tests for diagnosis.

Conclusion

A major surgery, broken bones, obesity, smoking, and certain cancers can be among the risk factors for inappropriate blood clotting [2]. This can impact the D-dimer test normal value. Doctors may recommend a D-dimer test if they suspect a blood clot. The procedure may help rule out medical complications. 

To remain fit, keep your health under constant check. Follow your doctor’s recommendations and undergo procedures like a blood test, COVID test, and others if you have any symptoms. With Bajaj Finserv Health, you can book an appointment with a doctor or a lab test at home and keep better track of your health.