D-dimer Explained

During blood coagulation, fibrinogen is converted to fibrin by the activation of thrombin. Fibrin monomers polymerise to form a soluble gel of non-cross linked fibrin. The fibrin gel is then converted to cross linked fibrin by thrombin activated factor XIII to form an insoluble clot. To prevent complete obstruction of circulation, clot lysis is triggered by plasmin at the same time as a clot forms. This is called fibrinolysis. Fibrinogen, fibrin and cross linked fibrin are all cleaved by plasmin during fibrinolysis but only degradation products from cross linked fibrin contain D-dimer. Therefore, D-dimer is a marker of active coagulation and fibrinolysis.

 

The link between raised D-dimer levels and thrombotic conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) is well established. D-dimer testing is used as an aid in the diagnosis of both of these conditions (often collectively referred to as venous thrombembolism or VTE) as well as disseminated intravascular coagulation and hence plays an important role in the effective management of these serious clinical conditions.

 

SimpliRED D-dimer Principle

SimpliRED D-dimer is a whole blood agglutination assay for the identification of D-dimer. The active component is a conjugate of D-dimer specific monoclonal antibody joined to a monoclonal antibody that binds to the outside of red blood cells. When this bi-specific conjugate is mixed with patient whole blood, agglutination of the red blood cells will occur if the D-dimer concentration is above the cut-off level. In the absence of D-dimer, no agglutination takes place. The crosslinked fibrin breakdown products D-dimer, D-dimer E and derivates with a high molecular weight are all recognised by SimpliRED D-dimer.

 

 

• BBInternational
• BBI Life Sciences
• BBI Healthcare
• BuyBBI.com