D-Dimer latex assay as screening method in suspected deep venous thrombosis of the leg. A clinical study and review of the literature.

We examined the usefulness of a new commercially available latex agglutination test, measuring cross-linked fibrin degradation products (D-Dimer) in patients suspected clinically of having deep venous thrombosis of the leg. In 33 patients both contrast venography and D-Dimer latex assay were performed. In this group the test had a sensitivity of 48% for the diagnosis and a specificity of 100%. With a prevalence of 64% in our group the negative predictive value was 52%. We conclude that the D-Dimer latex assay is not useful in the initial evaluation of patients with suspected deep venous thrombosis of the leg. A review of the literature is given.