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D-Dimer

Meaning

D-Dimer is a small protein fragment present in the blood after a blood clot, or thrombus, has been degraded by the body’s natural fibrinolysis process. It represents a degradation product of fibrin, a key protein component of blood clots that has been cross-linked by Factor XIIIa. In clinical practice, the measurement of D-Dimer levels is used as a biomarker to help diagnose or rule out the presence of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE), conditions that can be influenced by hormonal therapies.