A D-dimer test is performed in a patient in whom a pulmonary embolism is suspected. The value comes back at 379 mg/L. What does this suggest?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The specificity D-dimer enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) can exclude all but 5% to 10% of patients with acute pulmonary embolism, so this test has been used as an important early assessment. The specificity of the test is only 39%, but a value less than 500 mg/L has been shown to rule out venous thromboembolic disease in 98% of patients.

A D-Dimer Test Is Performed in a Patient in Whom