Point-of-Care Testing for D-Dimer in the Diagnosis of Venous Thromboembolism in Primary Care: A Narrative Review
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REVIEW
Point-of-Care Testing for D-Dimer in the Diagnosis of Venous Thromboembolism in Primary Care: A Narrative Review Christopher P. Price
. Matthew Fay . Rogier M. Hopstaken
Received: October 23, 2020 Ó The Author(s) 2020
ABSTRACT Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is regarded as a significant cause of mortality and disability, affecting 1–2 per 1000 people annually, presenting with a relatively wide range of symptoms, which can pose a diagnostic challenge. Historically, people in whom VTE is suspected will have been taken to hospital for diagnosis and treatment; however, a high proportion of patients are found not to have VTE. Concerns have been expressed about potential delays in treatment, with the risk of additional morbidity and disability, and death. Diagnostic strategies are typically based on the use of a clinical prediction rule to determine the pre-test probability, complemented with a measurement of D-dimer, with confirmation by imaging assessment. This narrative review explores the literature on the use of point-of-care testing (POCT) for the measurement of D-dimer, as part of a clinical decision rule, for the diagnosis of deep C. P. Price (&) Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK e-mail: [email protected] M. Fay Affinity Care, The Willows Medical Practice, Queensbury, UK R. M. Hopstaken Star-Shl Diagnostic Centres, Etten-Leur, The Netherlands
vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) in the primary care setting. In the two main prospective management (validation) studies that included D-dimer POCT or similar technologies, with a total cohort of 1600 participants, DVT was ruled out in 49% of patients, with a false negative rate of 1.4%, whereas PE was ruled out in 45% of patients, with a false negative rate of 1.5%. This suggests that uptake of POCT D-dimer in primary care has the potential to reduce the number of referrals to hospitals for imaging confirmatory investigation, with consequent cost savings. Thus, adopting POCT for D-dimer in primary care can offer clinical and cost benefits, particularly when quantitative POCT assays are being used. Furthermore, POCT should be undertaken in collaboration with the local laboratories to ensure the harmonisation of D-dimer methods and quality assurance to improve the diagnosis of VTE.
Keywords: D-dimer; Deep vein thrombosis; Diagnostic performance; Point-of-care testing; Primary care; Pulmonary embolism; Venous thromboembolism
Cardiol Ther
Key Summary Points Why carry out this study? There is concern about delays in diagnosis and treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) due to its varied presentation in primary care. This review sought to assess whether the use of point-of-care testing (POCT) for the measurement of D-dimer, as part of a clinical decision rule, in patients presenting in primary care with suspected VTE, improves health outcomes. What was learned from the study? POCT for D-dimer with a clinical decision rule can rule out a diagnosis of VTE in the primary care setting, thereby reduc
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