D-dimmer test

[SoulRebel-APS]

I am triple positive APS. As far as know I have never had a d-dimmer test. Is it something I should be having done since I still have TIA’s. I was just wondering. I’m also that stubborn person who doesn’t go to the ER for TIA’s.

Thank you

Soul Rebel

[HollyHeski Administrator]

I finally went to A & E a few years ago for what I knew was a clot in vein in leg.

No scan was done and D dimmer came back within range, I just upped my clexane, with no trust in results.

When I asked my consultant a few months later I was told, I had done everything right, apparently everyone's d dimmer varies and as I know I have a permanent clot in my subclavian and triple positive, tests are not conclusive.

Result of scan at this time showed evidence of a clot in vein but I had dispersed it.

Follow your instincts ....

[MaryF Administrator]

Hi, they are used widely to detected clots, but as mentioned by HollyHeski the results are not always accurate, and other tests are needed, and there is still so much misunderstanding out our disease. MaryF

[Raw57 in reply to MaryF]

Do you think D dimer test are unreliable in APS patients or in anyone? I’ve only had it done a few times but with my 14 in upper extremity DVT it was normal. And times when no clot was found it was high. I have TOS and in those groups people mention the same unreliability in the D dimer. Unfortunately some ERs will not do further testing if it’s normal despite obvious symptoms.

[MaryF Administrator in reply to Raw57]

They certainly seem to be unreliable in some cases but seem to also pick up many people's. I have not had one for years! MaryF

[KellyInTexas Administrator]

Mine are normal, except with first DVT. (Before anticoagulation.)

I’ve been told by emergency room doctor that if On anticoagulation, that can affect d- dimers. ( false negative.)

I’ve also read publications that patients with APS do not create the fibroginin process correctly- the clot formation /resolution is “ off.”

[Raw57 in reply to KellyInTexas]

That’s interesting.