The use of D-Dimer assay by enzyme immunoassay and latex agglutination techniques in the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis

The blood of 107 patients undergoing venography for suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was tested for D-Dimers using enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and two latex agglutination techniques. D-Dimer levels by EIA were raised in 88% of patients with proven DVT. However, levels detected with the two agglutination tests were much less sensitive, being raised in only 43% patients with DVT. A more sensitive rapid screening test is needed to provide a useful non-invasive test for the exclusion of DVT.