Wallach's Interpretation of Diagnostic Tests: Pathways to Arriving at a Clinical Diagnosis (930 page)

   Causes of increased results:

   Pathologic and therapeutic fibrinolysis

   DIC

   Venous thromboembolism and pulmonary embolism

   Myocardial infarction

   Following trauma and surgery

   Disseminated cancer

   Complications of pregnancy

   Small increase with exercise, severe liver disease

   Limitations

   Because of its rather limited sensitivity, FDP may not be elevated in single, discrete clots, as seen in isolated deep vein thrombosis or in pulmonary embolism. In such situations, a sensitive
D
-dimer assay is recommended.

   The assay itself, if performed on serum obtained from firmly clotted blood (the designated test tubes contain a potent coagulant venom). If blood is drawn on tubes containing anticoagulant, the assay is invalid (newer tests that use plasma have been developed).

   In the presence of rheumatoid factor, the results may be falsely elevated.