2026/03/16 by Suzanne Hill, Emma Webster, Daniel Stewart · 1 voice
Medicine · #Clinical Laboratory Practices and Quality Control #Potassium and Related Disorders #Acute Myocardial Infarction Research
paper · doi:10.1111/1742-6723.70244
openalex publication_date 2026/03/16 · openalex created_date 2026/03/17 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01
OBJECTIVE: To explore patterns of D-dimer assay ordering for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) and evaluate its clinical usefulness at Dubbo Health Service. METHODS: Retrospective audit of patients presenting to Dubbo Health Service between 1 January and 31 December 2024 who underwent D-dimer testing. D-dimer and CTPA ordering patterns were categorised according to their alignment with the guideline-recommended investigation sequence, which informed interpretation of test utilisation in the clinical context. RESULTS: A total of 245 D-dimer results were included (119 positive, 126 negative). In 79.2% of cases, investigation sequences followed the guideline-recommended order of testing. The diagnostic yield of CTPA among patients who underwent D-dimer testing was 4.9%. DISCUSSION: Ordering patterns were broadly consistent with published reports of increasing utilisation of D-dimer testing and CTPA. Discordant pathways most commonly involved positive D-dimer results without subsequent CTPA, or CTPA performed despite a negative D-dimer. CONCLUSION: Patterns of D-dimer ordering were variably aligned with guideline-recommended pathways, which may limit the clinical usefulness of the test in some cases. Improved documentation of pre-test probability and targeted education regarding appropriate test selection and interpretation may enhance the integration of D-dimer testing into diagnostic workflows.