D-dimer – Test properties

Various kits have a 93-95% sensitivity and about 50% specificity in the diagnosis of thrombotic disease. * False positive readings can be due to various causes: liver disease, high rheumatoid factor, inflammation, malignancy, trauma, pregnancy, recent surgery as well as advanced age.

Various kits have a 93-95% sensitivity and about 50% specificity in the diagnosis of thrombotic disease.

* False positive readings can be due to various causes: liver disease, high rheumatoid factor, inflammation, malignancy, trauma, pregnancy, recent surgery as well as advanced age

* False negative readings can occur if the sample is taken either too early after thrombus formation or if testing is delayed for several days. Additionally, the presence of anti-coagulation can render the test negative because it prevents thrombus extension.

* Likelihood ratios are derived from sensitivity and specificity to adjust pretest probability.


Adapted from the Wikipedia article D-dimer, under the G. N. U. Free Documentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki








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