The measurement of crosslinked fibrin derivatives in plasma has received evaluation
as a screening test in the diagnosis of venous thrombosis. Plasma samples were taken
from 104 patients undergoing venography because of clinical suspicion of lower limb
venous thrombosis. The samples were assayed using a monoclonal antibody identifying
an epitope on D dimer and larger crosslinked fibrin derivatives in an enzyme immunoassay.
100% of patients with positive venograms had elevated levels of these molecules. While
a percentage of patients with negative venograms also had increased levels, alternative
clinical explanations were apparent in most. A normal D dimer value excludes the diagnosis
of venous thrombosis, while an increased value supports it. The measurement of crosslinked
fibrin derivatives in plasma may play a role in the selection of patients for venography.
Keywords
Venous thrombosis - D dimer - Fibrin crosslinking - monoclonal antibodies
