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This issue is currently generating considerable debate. On the one hand there is concern that there could be an over-reliance on the negative predictive value of a normal or equivocal d-dimer result in ?DVT; and on the other there is the need to screen out non-thrombotic episodes in A&E to help achieve the 4-hour standard. At present we do not offer this test as a POCT procedure but fast-track them though the laboratory. Requesting protocols are policed quite strictly. Of the kits available for POCT, I have tried the SimpliRed and Nycocard methods, either of which would do the job. (Nycocard did not receive a good review in the last MDA appraisals). Both are relatively costly as a single test but not when compared to ultrasonography. My own view is that POCT for d-dimers is useful in both A&E and Health Centre situations when used discriminately as negative indicators for thromboembolic episodes. The issues, as ever, will be maintaining the requesting discipline, training the operators and ensuring lab-based QA. Ian Johnson Chief Biomedical Scientist - Haematology University Hospital Lewisham London SE13 6LH Tel: 0208 333 3000 ext 6157 email: [log in to unmask] Fax: 0208 333 3006 >>> [log in to unmask] 07/07/03 15:20:17 >>> Does anyone have any experience - or information about the usefulness - of POCT D-dimer for diagnosing DVT? Thanks Dr MJ Pearson Department of Clinical Biochemistry & Immunology Old Medical School Leeds General Infirmary (Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust) LEEDS LS1 3EX UK tel (44)-113-392-3945 fax (44)-113-343-5672 http://www.leedsteachinghospitals.com [log in to unmask] ********************************************************************** DISCLAIMER: Any opinions expressed in this email are those of the individual and not necessarily the Trust. This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. Any unauthorised disclosure of the information contained in this email is strictly prohibited. The contents of this email may contain software viruses which could damage your own computer system. Whilst we have taken every reasonable precaution to minimise this risk, we cannot accept liability for any damage which you sustain as a result of software viruses. You should therefore carry out your own virus checks before opening the attachment. If you have received this email in error please notify the sender or [log in to unmask] Please then delete this email. University Hospital Lewisham Tel: 020 8333 3000 Web: http://www.lewisham.nhs.uk/ **********************************************************************