D-dimer

D-dimer is a small fragment that is produced when a blood clot is broken down in the body. Measuring D-dimer levels helps doctors identify whether there are abnormal blood clotting processes, such as in conditions like deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Elevated D-dimer levels indicate increased clot activity but do not specify the location; thus, it’s primarily used as a screening tool. A normal D-dimer level can help rule out significant clotting issues, while high levels suggest the need for further testing and evaluation.