D-dimer
D-dimer
D-dimer (pronounced: dee-dimer) is a fibrin degradation product, a small protein fragment present in the blood after a blood clot is degraded by fibrinolysis. It is so named because it contains two D fragments of the fibrin protein joined by a cross-link.
Etymology
The term "D-dimer" originates from its structure. The "D" refers to the D fragment of the fibrin protein, and "dimer" indicates that it is a compound formed by two identical simpler molecules.
Function
D-dimer concentration may be determined by a blood test to help diagnose thrombosis. Since its presence indicates the presence of a blood clot, it is used clinically to rule out pulmonary embolism (PE) or deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Related Terms
- Fibrin: A fibrous, non-globular protein involved in the clotting of blood.
- Fibrinolysis: The process wherein a fibrin clot, the product of coagulation, is broken down.
- Thrombosis: The formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel, obstructing the flow of blood through the circulatory system.
- Pulmonary embolism: A blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in your lungs.
- Deep vein thrombosis: A blood clot that forms in a vein deep in the body.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on D-dimer
- Wikipedia's article - D-dimer
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