Accuracy of the D-Dimer Assay for the Exclusion of Pulmonary Embolism in a High Risk Oncologic Population

The purpose of this study is to see if a blood test (D-dimer) is as precise as the CT scan for the detection of clots. A pulmonary embolism is an obstruction of the blood vessels in your lungs usually due to a blood clot that travels to the lungs usually from the leg. Research has shown that the results of a specific blood test (D-dimer) can be used instead of a CT scan to diagnose clots. D-dimer is a valuable diagnostic marker in either detecting the presence of or monitoring the progress of blood clots. D-dimer assays have proven to be a beneficial diagnostic tool in the evaluation of patients with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE).