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D-dimer testing is an important diagnostic procedure that can help detect various disease states. In this article, we will discuss what D-dimers are, when and how they are measured, how to prepare for the test, how much it costs and whether it is reimbursed by the National Health Fund, what are the norms for women and men, what do elevated D-dimer levels mean, and how you can lower their level in the body.
What are d-dimers?
D-dimers are small fragments of the fibrinogen protein that are formed during the breakdown of blood clots. They are present in everyone’s blood, but their levels can vary depending on various factors. Testing D-dimer levels can help diagnose thrombosis, inflammation of blood vessels, heart disease and other medical conditions.
When are d-dimers measured?
A D-dimer test may be ordered by a doctor in various situations. It is most often used to exclude deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. It is also used to monitor the effectiveness of anticoagulant treatment.
How to prepare for a d-dimer test?
Preparing for a D-dimer test is relatively simple. It does not require special measures or a restrictive diet. However, the patient should inform the doctor about all medications taken and diseases that may affect the test result.
How much does the test cost? is it reimbursed by the national health fund?
The cost of D-dimer testing may vary and depends on the laboratory and region of the country. The average price ranges from PLN 50 to PLN 150. If the test is ordered by a doctor as part of medical diagnostics, it is often reimbursed by the National Health Fund. However, it is worth checking with your doctor or medical facility whether the test will be covered by reimbursement.
D-dimer – norms for women and men
D-dimer levels may vary slightly from lab to lab, but it is generally accepted that levels are low in healthy people. The average value for adults is below 500 ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter of blood). However, there are some differences in norms depending on gender and age. For pregnant women or older people, the standards may be slightly higher.
What do elevated d-dimers mean? what should you pay attention to?
Elevated D-dimer levels may indicate various disease states, such as thrombosis, inflammation of blood vessels, injuries, heart disease and cancer. However, an increase in D-dimer levels alone does not mean a specific diagnosis, so further tests and medical consultation are necessary to determine the cause of the increased results.
How to lower high d-dimer levels?
Lowering D-dimer levels may be necessary for certain medical conditions. However, how D-dimers are lowered depends on the cause of their increase. Treatment of thrombosis may require the use of anticoagulants, and treatment of vasculitis may include anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs. In each case, treatment should be carried out under strict supervision of a specialist.
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Recommended articles
If you are interested in topics related to medical diagnostics, we also recommend reading our other articles, such as “Everything you need to know about blood tests” or “Thrombosis – causes, symptoms and treatment”.