D-Dimer · high result
What does a high D-Dimer mean?
Short answer
D-dimer is a fragment produced when a clot breaks down. It is raised by active clotting — deep-vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism — but also by recent surgery or injury, infection, pregnancy, cancer, liver disease, and simply older age, so a high value is non-specific. A normal D-dimer in a low-risk person effectively rules a clot out; a high one needs clinical assessment and usually imaging, not a repeat test.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
When does this result need same-day care?
- Leg swelling with pain, or breathlessness/chest pain with a high D-dimer — emergency care
What is the normal range for D-Dimer?
- age 18+: 0.000 – 500 ng/mL
Often reflects active clotting and breakdown — DVT, PE, recent surgery, infection, pregnancy, or inflammation.
Full reference table, citations and testing options: D-Dimer biomarker page.
What are the common causes of high D-Dimer?
- Venous clot: DVT, pulmonary embolism
- Recent surgery, trauma, hospitalization
- Infection, inflammation, sepsis, COVID
- Pregnancy (rises through trimesters), cancer, liver disease
- Older age, heart disease, atrial fibrillation
What symptoms go with high D-Dimer?
- Calf pain, swelling, warmth (DVT)
- Sudden breathlessness, chest pain, rapid heart rate (PE)
- Often none when raised by age, surgery or illness
What do clinicians usually check next?
- Same-day clinical assessment if there are any clot symptoms — imaging (ultrasound or CT) decides
- Without symptoms: review recent surgery, infection, pregnancy; repeat in a few weeks
- CBC and kidney function
Follow-up tests available at TestWell: CBC with Differential ($21.99), CBC (Complete Blood Count) ($21.99).
How do you recheck D-Dimer?
Prices are cash-pay; every order adds one $6 lab processing fee. Physician authorization is included; no insurance or referral needed.
| Test or panel | Type | Price | Fasting | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D-Dimer | Test | $69.99 | No | 1–3 business days |
Common questions
Can I use D-dimer to rule out a blood clot myself?
A normal result in a low-risk person is reassuring, but 'low risk' is a clinical judgement (Wells score). Any symptoms of a clot need same-day assessment regardless of the number.
Sources
Educational content, not a diagnosis. Lab results are one input; a clinician interprets them with your history and exam.