Comparability of D-dimer assays in clinical samples.

D-dimers (DD) have shown sufficient proof of their efficiency in the last 10 years to play an important role in hemostasis laboratories for excluding thromboembolic events. Numerous reagents are available on the market but their performances differ. This overview takes stock of the methods used to evaluate the performances of DD assays, the results published in the literature, the technical parameters influencing assay performance, the difficulties caused by the lack of harmonization of DD units, and the attempts to tackle this problem. It raises the issue of the potential optimization of their use with regard to better adaptation to multidisciplinary diagnostic strategies and to target patient populations.