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Test Code DDI D-Dimer, DIC and PE/DVT, Plasma

Performing Laboratory

MaineGeneral Medical Center

Specimen Requirements

Citrated Plasma

Collect blood in a blue-top 0.109M (3.2%) buffered sodium citrate tube. Invert several times to mix blood. Label the specimen with the patient's name (first and last), date of birth, date and time of collection and the phlebotomist's initials. Send sodium citrate whole blood in the original VACUTAINER®. Forward unprocessed whole blood promptly to the lab.

If testing cannot be performed immediately, centrifuge specimen for 10 minutes at 3,000 rpm, remove plasma, and place 0.5 mL of sodium citrate plasma in plastic vial. (Glass vial is not acceptable.) 

Specimen Stability

If testing cannot be performed immediately, transfer plasma to a clean plastic capped tube.

Separated plasma may be kept at room temperature (15-25°C) for 8 hours. If testing is delayed, specimen can be kept frozen at ≤ -20°C for one month.

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL of citrated plasma

The proportion of blood to anticoagulant volume must be 9:1. 

Specimen must be filled to at least 90% of capacity of the collection tube. Fill to the line indicated on the tube.

Specimen Rejection Criteria

Clotted or hemolyzed specimen

Hematocrit >55%

Incorrect anticoagulant

Overfilled or underfilled tube

Reference Values

0.00-0.46 µg/mL

Day(s) Test Performed

Monday - Sunday

Test Classification and CPT Coding

85379

Useful For

Evaluating for PE/DVT and DIC