Quantification of D-dimer levels in human saliva
Xi Zhang1, Yunxia Wan, Justin Cooper-White
1The Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology, Australia.
Bioanalysis
|September 24, 2013
Summary
Researchers developed a new saliva test for D-dimer, a marker for blood clots. Saliva D-dimer levels were significantly higher than plasma levels, but did not correlate, suggesting potential for a novel diagnostic tool.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Plasma D-dimer tests are standard for diagnosing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).
- Saliva offers a less invasive and more convenient alternative to blood for diagnostic testing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a reliable immunoassay for quantifying D-dimer in human saliva.
- To investigate the correlation between salivary and plasma D-dimer levels.
Main Methods:
- An AlphaLISA® immunoassay was developed and validated for D-dimer detection.
- Saliva and blood samples were collected from 40 healthy volunteers.
Main Results:
- The immunoassay demonstrated acceptable analytical performance for salivary D-dimer quantification.
- Median salivary D-dimer levels (138.1-140.7 ng/ml) were approximately twofold higher than plasma levels (75.0 ng/ml).
- No significant correlation was observed between salivary and plasma D-dimer levels (p = 0.61).
Conclusions:
- This study presents the first quantification of D-dimer in saliva, revealing significantly elevated levels compared to plasma.
- Further research is needed to establish the clinical utility of salivary D-dimer testing in patients with DVT or PE.
