D-Dimer and Fibrinogen/Fibrin Degradation Products

Although clinical requests for D-dimer are generally in the minority of assays in the routine clinical laboratory, they are an important aspect—especially if the laboratory supports an active emergency room and hematology service. Throughout the literature, D-dimer assays have been used for many purposes in the research setting; however it is generally the negative predictive value of the assay that is the most common piece of information being utilized from the standpoint of a clinician. Research or clinical needs will dictate the type of assay required—a qualitative, semiquantitative, or quantitative D-dimer assay may be appropriate for a particular purpose. Commonalities and differences between these assay types are outlined here, as well as universal concerns regarding standardization of D-dimer assay results.