TY - JOUR T1 - Evaulating the use of an age-adjusted, semi-quantitative d-dimer JF - European Respiratory Journal JO - Eur Respir J DO - 10.1183/13993003.congress-2015.PA712 VL - 46 IS - suppl 59 SP - PA712 AU - Rahul Shrimanker AU - James Harper AU - Harsita Patel AU - Andrew Stanton Y1 - 2015/09/01 UR - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/46/suppl_59/PA712.abstract N2 - Introduction: Previous retrospective evaluation of the use of an age-adjusted d-dimer (INNOVACE semi-quantitative, latex agglutination assay) suggested it was safe and applicable to patients over 50 with a low probability of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Subsequently this has been implemented in our institution.Aim: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the new reference ranges for d-dimer.Methods: All d-dimer blood tests sent during the first year of implementation (2013-14) were reviewed. The electronic notes for all those which were negative under the new age-adjusted system (< age x 10 ug/L or < 750u/L in the over 60's) that would have previously been positive ( >420 ug/L) were reviewed to see if there had been any instances of VTE.Results: 2008 d-dimer tests were sent in the over 50's. 365 were normal using the age-adjusted stystem but > 420ug/L. 62 out of 365 were investigated suspected for VTE. 5 patients had VTE found - 1 was 7 months after the d-dimer test for an unrelated presenting complaint; 2 were intermediate/high probability patients; 1 had a positive d-dimer prior to diagnosis and the d-dimer sent was during treatment for previously diagnosed VTE; 1 patient had a negative d-dimer but represented 1 month later, had a positive d-dimer and was found to have below knee DVT.Conclusion: Using this new reference range is safe and did not miss any clinically important VTE when used appropriately in low probability patients. ER -