D-dimer interpretation: which statement describes what the test detects?

D-dimer interpretation: which statement describes what the test detects?

• A. Red blood cell destruction
• B. Platelet aggregation is increased
• C. Protein fragments released as a clot breaks down
• D. White blood cell production

Answer: (C)

D-dimer testing looks for fibrin degradation products. When a clot forms, fibrin is cross-linked; as the clot is broken down by plasmin, fragments of fibrin are released into the blood, including D-dimer. The test detects these protein fragments, so a positive result indicates that clot formation and subsequent breakdown has occurred somewhere in the body. It does not measure red blood cell destruction, platelet aggregation, or white blood cell production. So the statement that best describes what the test detects is that it measures protein fragments released as a clot breaks down.

D-dimer testing looks for fibrin degradation products. When a clot forms, fibrin is cross-linked; as the clot is broken down by plasmin, fragments of fibrin are released into the blood, including D-dimer. The test detects these protein fragments, so a positive result indicates that clot formation and subsequent breakdown has occurred somewhere in the body. It does not measure red blood cell destruction, platelet aggregation, or white blood cell production. So the statement that best describes what the test detects is that it measures protein fragments released as a clot breaks down.