D-dimer blood test
Quick answer: A D-dimer test measures a protein fragment released when a blood clot breaks down. Doctors order it to help rule out a blood clot in the leg (DVT) or lung (pulmonary embolism) when the chance is low.
- SampleBlood
- TakesAbout 5 minutes
- Before the testNo special preparation is usually needed.
- In fertility careD-dimer normally rises during pregnancy, so it is harder to interpret then.
How the test is done
- 1You sit and the skin over a vein is cleaned
- 2A needle draws blood into a citrate tube
- 3The tube is filled to the right level and mixed gently
- 4The lab measures D-dimer
What your results can mean
Reading your report
A normal result makes a clot unlikely, while a raised result needs further tests, so discuss it with your doctor.
If the result is outside the usual range
A high level can be seen with blood clots, but also with pregnancy, recent surgery, infection, cancer and older age. A normal level in a low-risk person makes a clot unlikely.
Who usually has this test
People with possible deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, and people being checked for serious clotting problems.
Risks and aftercare
If you have leg swelling or chest pain, follow your doctor's advice urgently; the test itself only risks a bruise.
Names and options
Also called: D dimer
Listed by the hospital as
- D-DIMER
Questions about this test
Can pregnancy raise D-dimer?
Yes. D-dimer rises steadily through pregnancy, so a raised level is common and does not mean you have a clot.
Does a high D-dimer mean I have a clot?
No. Many things raise D-dimer. A high result usually leads to a scan to check for a clot.
When is a D-dimer test most useful?
It is most useful to rule out a clot in people with a low chance of having one. A normal result can avoid the need for a scan.
Related tests
Tamara Hospital & IVF Centre, Rajajinagar
34/3, 10th Cross Road, opp. Vardhaka Sardar Patel School, 1st N Block, 2nd Stage, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru 560010
The hospital is open 24 hours. Call before you come to check the timing for your scan or sample collection.
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This page explains each test in general terms so you know what to expect. It is not medical advice: your doctor decides which tests you need and what your results mean. Reference ranges differ between laboratories. Updated 4 November 2026.