Negative D-Dimer Result To Exclude Recurrent Deep Venous Thrombosis: A Management Trial

Background: All of the available diagnostic tests for deep ve-nous thrombosis (DVT) have limitations for excluding acute recur-rent DVT. Measurement of plasma D-dimer by using an automated quantitative assay may be useful as a rapid exclusion test in patients with suspected recurrent DVT. Objective: To test the safety of withholding additional diagnos-tic testing and heparin treatment in patients who have a negative D-dimer result at presentation (using the automated quantitative assay STA-Liatest D-di), regardless of their symptoms. Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: Academic medical center in the United States. Patients: 300 consecutive patients with suspected recurrent DVT. Intervention: Patients underwent D-dimer testing at presenta-tion. In patients with negative D-dimer results, heparin therapy was withheld, and no further diagnostic testing for DVT was don