Which antibody type is used in the D-dimer assay?

The D-dimer assay is primarily designed to detect the presence of D-dimer, which is a specific protein fragment that is produced when a blood clot dissolves. In this context, monoclonal antibodies provide the most precise detection of D-dimer due to their specificity for the target molecule.

Monoclonal antibodies, such as those used in the D-dimer assay, are derived from a single clone of immune cells and are engineered to bind to a specific epitope on the D-dimer molecule. This high specificity ensures that the assay is not only sensitive but also reduces the likelihood of cross-reactivity with other substances in the blood, which could lead to false positives.

Using monoclonal antibodies against the D-dimer itself enhances the assay's accuracy in measuring levels of D-dimer, making it a reliable tool for clinical diagnostics. This advantage is critical in identifying conditions associated with increased thrombosis, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).