What does the D-Dimer assay detect?

What does the D-Dimer assay detect?

• A. Fibrin Degradation Products
• B. Fibrin Monomer
• C. Prothrombin Fragments
• D. Platelet-Derived Factors

Answer: (A)

D-dimer assay detects fibrin degradation products that arise when a fibrin clot is broken down by plasmin. Specifically, it targets cross-linked fibrin fragments that contain two D domains—the D-dimer. This is a marker of recent clot formation and breakdown, not of fibrin monomer, prothrombin fragments, or platelet-derived factors. Clinically, a negative D-dimer helps rule out active thrombosis in appropriate patients, while elevated levels can be seen in various conditions that cause clotting and fibrinolysis.

D-dimer assay detects fibrin degradation products that arise when a fibrin clot is broken down by plasmin. Specifically, it targets cross-linked fibrin fragments that contain two D domains—the D-dimer. This is a marker of recent clot formation and breakdown, not of fibrin monomer, prothrombin fragments, or platelet-derived factors. Clinically, a negative D-dimer helps rule out active thrombosis in appropriate patients, while elevated levels can be seen in various conditions that cause clotting and fibrinolysis.