title: Evaluation of an automated latex D-dimer immunoassay in the clinical assessment of suspected venous thromboembolism.
abstract: Because the reliability of clinical signs in venous thromboembolism (VTE) is poor, a highly sensitive, non-invasive test may improve the selection of patients requiring further investigation. We assessed the sensitivity and negative predictive value of an automated D-dimer latex immunoassay (IL-Test ) in 68 patients presenting with suspected VTE. The plasma D-dimer concentration was estimated and an appropriate diagnostic radiological investigation performed. Control values were obtained from healthy young and elderly volunteers. Using a cut-off value of 330 ng/ml, the assay had a sensitivity of 100% and negative predictive value of 100% for VTE. We conclude that the IL-Test. automated D-dimer assay has a suitably high sensitivity and adequate negative predictive value to be included in a pre-test clinical probability protocol for the evaluation of patients with suspected VTE.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Altnagelvin Hospital, Londonderry, Northern Ireland.
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Hart
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Hutchman
authors.forename: R J G
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Cuthbert
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D005338:Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007118:Immunoassay / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000592:standards; D007841:Latex Fixation Tests / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000592:standards; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000175:diagnosis*; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000175:diagnosis*
chemical_list: D005338:Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products; C036309:fibrin fragment D