Disseminated intravascular coagulation laboratory findings

Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of DIC include decreased platelets, increased fibrin degradation products, increased D-dimer, increased bleeding time, and decreased fibrinogen levels. Peripheral smear shows schistocytes and RBC fragments in ~ 50%, mild reticulocytosis, leukocytosis, and thrombocytopenia with an increased population of young platelets (due to increased destruction and turnover). Clotting factors include normal prothrombin time and partial thromboplastin time in up to 50% of patients (due to higher circulating levels of clotting factors such as factor Xa and thrombin), elevated fibrin and fibrinogen degradation products. D-dimer more sensitive and specific for DIC. Antithrombin levels have become a key test for diagnosing and monitoring therapy in DIC.

Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of DIC include:^[1]

• Decreased platelets

• Schistocytes and RBC fragments in ~ 50%
• Mild reticulocytosis
• Leukocytosis
• Thrombocytopenia with an increased population of young platelets (due to increased destruction and turnover)

• Elevated prothrombin time and partial thromboplastin time
• Normal prothrombin time and partial thromboplastin time can be seen in up to 50% of patients (due to higher circulating levels of clotting factors such as factor Xa and thrombin)^[2]
• Elevated fibrin and fibrinogen degradation products
• Elevated D-dimer which is more sensitive and specific for DIC^[3]
• Reduced antithrombin levels, which have become a key test for diagnosing and monitoring therapy in DIC
• Increased bleeding time
• Decreased fibrinogen level

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