Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) screen

D-dimer and fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products are part of the panel of tests to assess for DIC. The additional tests in this group include Prothrombin Time (see p. 525), Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (see p. 42), Platelet Count (see p. 499), and Fibrinogen (see p. 315). DIC is a common and often severe coagulation disorder commonly precipitated by sepsis, severe tissue injury, or some complications of pregnancy. When the anticoagulation and fibrinolytic systems are overwhelmed by the underlying disorder, DIC can result. In DIC, the patient develops systemic microvascular thrombi and, as platelets and natural anticoagulant factors are depleted, the patient begins to bleed.

In laboratory testing, DIC causes the values of D-dimer and fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products to be elevated as a result of the lysis of the clot or clots. The loss of platelets and anticoagulants result in a prolonged prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time. There is a decrease in the platelet count and fibrinogen value.