D-Dimer blood test procedure explained by a nurse. What is the D-dimer test? The D-dimer test is a blood test that tests for a substance in the blood called fibrin degradation fragment, a protein fragment that hangs out in the blood when a clot is breaking down. The D-dimer test can help us identify potential clots in the body, as well as DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation). As I mentioned in my deep vein thrombosis (DVT) video, fribrin clumps together red blood cells, platelets, and helps form a clot. This blood test procedure helps to identify the fibrin. Unfortunately, the D-dimer test has some shortcomings. It does not indicate the location of the clot, and false positives can occur due to other diseases, such as liver disease, cancer, and more. Normal D-Dimer range vs high D-Dimer range: What's the difference? A normal D-Dimer result (measured in FEU) would be less than 500 ng/mL. When measured in DDU units, a normal result would be less than 250 ng/mL. These figures can vary a bit depending on the healthcare facility's protocols, but generally speaking, a D-Dimer result higher than those figures (in their respective measuring units), would be a positive (or high) d-dimer test result. Notes: https://www.registerednursern.com/d-dimer-blood-test-labs-to-know-for-nclex/ Website: https://www.registerednursern.com/ More Videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2XMro13dD0 Nursing Gear: null Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/registerednursern_com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RegisteredNurseRNs Twitter: https://twitter.com/NursesRN Popular Playlists: NCLEX Reviews:    • NCLEX Study Strategies   Fluid & Electrolytes:    • Fluid and Electrolytes Nursing   Nursing Skills:    • Nursing Skills Videos