D-Dimer, Human Plasma

The D-dimer antigen is a unique marker of fibrin degradation that is formed by the sequential action of 3 enzymes: thrombin, factor XIIIa, and plasmin. Thus D-dimer is not normally found in serum or plasma, but is present only if fibrinolysis has occurred and is, therefore, an excellent marker of the breakdown of a blood clot. The measurement of D-dimer in serum samples (s-DD) after standardized coagulation has been reported as a possible single global test for fibrinolysis in unstimulated conditions in healthy subjects and in patients with ischemic heart disease and with different metabolic disorders.