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D-Dimer Testing: Laboratory Aspects and Current Issues

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Hemostasis and Thrombosis

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology ((MIMB,volume 1646))

Abstract

D-dimer has become one of the commonly requested coagulation tests, especially in the venous thromboembolism rule out setting. Appropriate D-dimer testing has significantly decreased the number of radiological investigations in this clinical scenario. D-dimer testing also plays an important role in the diagnostic process of the systemic coagulation disorders, especially disseminated intravascular coagulation in conjunction with other coagulation tests. However, widespread D-dimer testing without good understanding of the technical issues related to the test has recently caused some concerns. This review aims to address the basic physiology of D-dimer formation, the different methods available for its routine assessment, the current problems that both clinicians and laboratory scientists face with this test, and the important need for harmonization of commercial immunoassays.

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Acknowledgments

J.T. wrote the first draft, G.L. and E.F. critically evaluated and revised the content. All authors approved the final manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Haematology, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Oxford Road, M13 9WL, Manchester, UK

    Jecko Thachil

  2. Section of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy

    Giuseppe Lippi

  3. Haematology Department, Sydney Centres for Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research (ICPMR), Westmead Hospital, NSW Health Pathology, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia

    Emmanuel J. Favaloro

Authors
  1. Jecko Thachil
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  2. Giuseppe Lippi
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  3. Emmanuel J. Favaloro
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jecko Thachil .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Haematology, Sydney Centres for Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research (ICPMR), NSW Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia

    Emmanuel J. Favaloro

  2. Section of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy

    Giuseppe Lippi

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Thachil, J., Lippi, G., Favaloro, E.J. (2017). D-Dimer Testing: Laboratory Aspects and Current Issues. In: Favaloro, E., Lippi, G. (eds) Hemostasis and Thrombosis. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 1646. Humana Press, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-7196-1_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-7196-1_7

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4939-7194-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4939-7196-1

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