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Diagnosis
Review: several factors are associated with the performance of D-dimer assays for detecting deep venous thrombosis

https://doi.org/10.1136/ebm.9.6.185

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    Heim SW, Schectman JM, Siadaty MS, et al. D-dimer testing for deep venous thrombosis: a metaanalysis. Clin Chem 2004;50:1136–47.
    OpenUrlAbstract/FREE Full Text

    
 
 Q In symptomatic patients, what factors are associated with the performance of D-dimer assays for detecting lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT)?

    Clinical impact ratings GP/FP/Primary care ★★★★★★☆ Internal medicine ★★★★★☆☆ Emergency medicine ★★★★★☆☆ Haematology ★★★★★★☆

    METHODS

    Embedded ImageData sources:

    Medline (February 1995 to October 2003) and bibliographies of relevant articles.

    Embedded ImageStudy selection and assessment:

    diagnostic studies that calculated sensitivities and specificities or provided paired data for comparing D-dimer assay results with lower extremity ultrasonography or venography for detecting acute DVT in symptomatic patients.

    Embedded ImageOutcome:

    diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) as a function of D-dimer assay while controlling for the reference standard, sample size, overall prevalence of disease, and patient mix of each study.

    MAIN RESULTS

    23 studies (3985 patients) met the selection criteria. Groups of D-dimer assays evaluated included first generation latex agglutination assays (D-dimer test, Dimertest, Dimertest II, and Nephelotex), second generation latex agglutination assays (Auto …

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    Footnotes

    • ↵* Information provided by author.

    • For correspondence: Dr S W Heim, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, USA. heimsvirginia.edu

    • Source of funding: US Department of Health and Human Services.