Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key difference between Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) lies in their location and severity.Clinical ManifestationsSVT typically presents with localized pain, tenderness, and redness along the course of a superficial vein, often accompanied by a palpable, cord-like structure under the skin. This condition is usually less dangerous than DVT but can be uncomfortable and may lead to complications such as cellulitis or, rarely, a clot extension into the deep...

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...

Phase Contrast and Differential Interference Contrast Microscopy

Phase Contrast and Differential Interference Contrast Microscopy

Phase-Contrast Microscopes
In-phase-contrast microscopes, interference between light directly passing through a cell and light refracted by cellular components is used to create high-contrast, high-resolution images without staining. It is the oldest and simplest type of microscope that creates an image by altering the wavelengths of light rays passing through the specimen. Altered wavelength paths are created using an annular stop in the condenser. The annular stop produces a hollow cone of...

Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmias, also known as arrhythmias, are disturbances in the heart's rhythm that range from benign to life-threatening. A thorough evaluation is crucial for appropriate management and involves a comprehensive medical history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests.Medical HistorySymptoms: Collect detailed information on palpitations, dizziness, syncope, chest pain, and fatigue. Note their onset, frequency, and triggers.Previous Cardiac Issues: Document any history of heart...

Volume of Distribution

Volume of Distribution

The apparent volume of distribution (Vd) is a crucial pharmacokinetic parameter representing the hypothetical body fluid volume into which a drug disperses. It is calculated based on the total amount of drug in the body (estimated from the administered dose and bioavailability) divided by the plasma drug concentration. The total amount of drug in the body does not directly refer to the dose given but is derived by accounting for absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion processes.

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Reducing mortality, improving outcomes, and establishing equity for women with classical haematological disease: a Lancet Haematology Commission.

The Lancet. Haematology·2026

Same author

Should we focus on sustainable thromboprophylaxis and avoid overuse of low-molecular-weight heparins?

Research and practice in thrombosis and haemostasis·2026

Same author

Renal Vein Thrombosis: A Narrative Review.

Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland)·2026

Same author

DIC in pregnancy: lessons from an international registry of the International Society for Thrombosis and Hemostasis: Communication from the SSC of the ISTH.

Journal of thrombosis and haemostasis : JTH·2026

Same author

Coagulopathy in acute promyelocytic leukaemia: Can we better predict and prevent catastrophic bleeding?

Thrombosis research·2026

Same author

Where Is the 'Oma' in Multiple Myeloma? Origins and Limitations of some Myeloma-Related Terminology.

EJHaem·2026

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 23, 2025

A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis

A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Published on: June 2, 2015

D-dimers: a most misunderstood test.

Luke Carter-Brzezinski¹, Scott Houston^1,2, Jecko Thachil^1,2

¹Department of Haematology, Manchester University Hospitals, Manchester, UK.

British Journal of Hospital Medicine (London, England : 2005)

|August 25, 2021

Summary

D-dimer testing is validated for excluding venous thromboembolism but is increasingly used for diagnosis and guiding COVID-19 treatment. This review examines the appropriateness of D-dimer use in these varied clinical scenarios.

Keywords:

Anticoagulation COVID-19 D-dimer Fibrinogen Thromboembolism

More Related Videos

Diaphragmatic Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition and Interpretation

Diaphragmatic Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition and Interpretation

Published on: January 31, 2025

Author Spotlight: Unraveling the Impact of Mechanical Ventilation on Diaphragm Function and Patient Outcomes

Author Spotlight: Unraveling the Impact of Mechanical Ventilation on Diaphragm Function and Patient Outcomes

Published on: November 3, 2023

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Oct 23, 2025

A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis

A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Published on: June 2, 2015

Diaphragmatic Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition and Interpretation

Diaphragmatic Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition and Interpretation

Published on: January 31, 2025

Author Spotlight: Unraveling the Impact of Mechanical Ventilation on Diaphragm Function and Patient Outcomes

Author Spotlight: Unraveling the Impact of Mechanical Ventilation on Diaphragm Function and Patient Outcomes

Published on: November 3, 2023

Area of Science:

Clinical diagnostics
Hematology
Thrombosis research

Background:

D-dimer testing is a standard tool in managing venous thromboembolism (VTE).
Its established role is in excluding VTE, particularly in emergency settings.
Recent trends show increased use for diagnosing VTE and guiding COVID-19 treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the established and evolving applications of D-dimer testing.
To assess the appropriateness of D-dimer use in diagnosing VTE.
To evaluate the role of D-dimers in COVID-19 management strategies.

Main Methods:

Literature review of studies on D-dimer utility in VTE and COVID-19.
Analysis of clinical guidelines and research pertaining to D-dimer interpretation.
Synthesis of evidence regarding D-dimer performance in different patient cohorts.

Main Results:

D-dimer assays are highly sensitive for VTE exclusion.
Their specificity is limited, leading to potential overdiagnosis when used for definitive diagnosis.
In COVID-19, D-dimer levels correlate with disease severity and prognosis, but their role in guiding treatment requires further clarification.

Conclusions:

D-dimer testing remains valuable for ruling out VTE in appropriate clinical contexts.
Careful interpretation is crucial when using D-dimers for VTE diagnosis due to specificity limitations.
The utility of D-dimers in guiding COVID-19 treatment pathways needs further investigation and validation.