May 29 2026

george

Factor XIII and Clot Stability

Click here for an open-access illustrated discussion via Hemostasis Today by Abdul Mannan of the multiple roles of FXIII and the adverse effects of FXIII deficiency related to wound healing and clot integrity.

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Fibrinolysis

May 29 2026

george

“Covid Coag”

On May 26, I (Geo) posted a link to our informational module, The Cell-based Coagulation Model. On May 15, I posted a link to our Coagulation Overview Module. The third in a series of “Mechanism” modules, and perhaps the most complex, is entitled Covid Coag. Though thanks to vaccination technology, we think less today about […]

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Bleeding Disorders

May 26 2026

george

A 2026 Review of D-dimer Reporting Variations in VTE

Here is an open-access 2026 review that illustrates the reporting variations and application of the D-dimer assay in VTE. Hofstetter RV, Marx CE, Kraaijpoel N, Favaloro EJ, et al. Reporting of D-dimer testing in venous thromboembolism diagnostic management studies: a scoping review. J Thromb Haemost. 2026:S1538-7836(26)00190-X. doi: 10.1016/j.jtha.2026.03.005. PMID: 41839295. Abstract Background: D-dimer testing is […]

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Thrombophilia

May 15 2026

george

Coagulation Overview Module

We’re reviewing our Educational Modules for timeliness. Many institutions use Coagulation Overview for both introductory education and advanced review. You can complete it in <30 minutes, but you may wish to stop at intervals to observe the various diagrams in detail just by pressing the space bar. The module supplements Walenga JM, Krom KN: Chapter […]

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Coagulation Factors

Mar 24 2026

george

Review: Normal V. Elevated D-dimers and “D-dimeritis”

Here’s a thought-provoking 2022 D-dimer review available from your medical library: Thachil J, Favaloro EJ, Lippi G. D-dimers-“normal” levels versus elevated levels due to a range of conditions, including “D-dimeritis,” inflammation, thromboembolism, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and COVID-19. Semin Thromb Hemost. 2022;48(6):672–9. doi: 10.1055/s-0042-1748193. PMID: 35803265. Abstract D-dimers reflect a breakdown product of fibrin. The current […]

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Fibrinolysis

Jan 30 2026

george

Review: Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) in Thrombosis

This open-access review scans literature associating NETs with coagulation: Huang G, Wu H, Lin B, et al. Targeting neutrophil extracellular traps: a new strategy for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke based on thrombolysis resistance. Semin Thromb Hemost. 2026;52:80-91. doi: 10.1055/a-2609-3457. PMID: 40461018; PMCID: PMC12799313. Abstract Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a life-threatening thrombotic disorder, […]

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Arterial Thrombosis

Jan 26 2026

george

January 2026 QQ Summary: Fibrinolysis

Our January 2026 QQ was a quiz that asked, “What fibrinolytic enzyme digests fibrin?” Here’s how our 34 respondents scored: D-dimer: 0 Plasmin 28 (82%) PAI-1: 2 (6%) TAFI 0 TPA 4 (12%) Congratulations on your successful answers. Here is a summary of fibrinolysis (figure), paraphrased from Walenga JM, Krum KN. Normal Hemostasis. In Keohane EM, […]

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Fibrinolysis

Jan 23 2026

george

Meta-analysis: D-dimer Safely Excludes Pulmonary Embolism in Cancer

Obtain this provocative article from your medical library: Vrotniakaite-Bajerciene K, Mallick R, Takada T, et al. Safety and efficiency of D-dimer testing in combination with clinical decision rules to exclude pulmonary embolism in patients with cancer: individual patient data meta-analysis. J Thromb Haemost. 2025:S1538-7836(25)00839-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jtha.2025.10.035. PMID: 41354153. Abstract Background: Failure rates of clinical decision […]

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Thrombophilia

Jan 1 2026

george

Reprise: Isolated Elevated D-dimer in an Apparently Healthy Individual

This question appeared 12-22-25 on the Diagnostic Equity page:  “My D-dimer was elevated, but my CT scan ruled out a blood clot. What other conditions or factors can cause an elevated D-dimer, and then how should this result be interpreted in the context of my symptoms and overall health?“ This answer was provided by colleague Justin […]

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Fibrinolysis

Dec 31 2025

george

January 2026 QQ: Fibrinolysis

Fibrinolysis plays a crucial role in the treatment of thrombosis. The components of fibrinolysis, in no particular order, are plasminogen, plasmin, TPA, TAFI, PAI-1, α2 antiplasmin, FDPs, and D-dimer. Our January 2026 Quick Question in the right column is a quiz that asks, “Which fibrinolysis enzyme digests fibrin?” Please select your answer, and feel free […]

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Fibrinolysis