Why Is the D-Dimer Test Not Routinely Performed on Hospital

question 16

Multiple Choice

Why is the D-dimer test not routinely performed on hospital inpatients suspected of having pulmonary emboli?

• A) A high D-dimer only suggests the presence of comorbidities.
• B) A low D-dimer is associated with immunodepression.
• C) It loses sensitivity if numerous blood tests have been performed.
• D) The cost is prohibitive.

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Definitions:

Alveolus

An air sac of the lung through which gas exchange with the blood takes place. Saclike unit of some glands (e.g., mammary glands). One of several flattened vesicles located just inside the plasma membrane in alveolate protists.

Partial Pressure

The pressure exerted by a singular type of gas in a mixture of gases.

Pulmonary Surfactant

A complex mixture of lipids and proteins secreted by cells in the lungs that reduces surface tension, preventing the collapse of alveoli during exhalation.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

A long-term inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs, leading to breathing difficulties.