From 2 June 2026:

Background
D-dimer is used as a screening test to rule out venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with a low probability of VTE.  Before ordering the D-dimer test, it is essential to assess the patient’s clinical probability for VTE.

The probability of DVT should be assessed using the Wells score.  Assessment of PE has more options, including the Wells or Geneva PE scores that are often followed by the PERC score.  All scores are available at www.mdcalc.com.

Patients who require a D-dimer assay are those with a low pre-test probability; high risk patients should have imaging irrespective of the D-dimer result, and therefore the test does not contribute to the management.

Eligibility
Many factors play a key role in changing the sensitivity and specificity of D-dimer testing, including comorbidity due to surgical or medical illnesses, inflammatory diseases, cancer, elderly age and pregnancy.  With this in mind, a D-dimer should only be requested by a registered health practitioner who is able to undertake a full medical history and examination to assess the patient’s risk of thrombosis.  Awanui Labs will only accept requests from registered doctors, nurses and midwives with an appropriate scope of practice.

Phoning
To improve the usefulness of phoning of positive D-dimer results we are requesting that clinicians let us know if a positive result will have immediate clinical utility (i.e., needs to be phoned through if positive) and in these cases we will be asking for a suitable phone number, including for after-hours. We will call this number once and we will attempt to leave a message if unanswered.

Previously all positive D-dimer were phoned through on the assumption that the D-dimer was being performed to rule out a DVT or PE in a low risk patient.  However, in many cases these calls were frustrating for requesters since the result did not change management acutely.

From 2 June 2026, ‘positive’ D-dimer results will only be phoned if the requestor has indicated they wish to be called and supplied a phone number for a medical professional who can manage the result at all hours(i.e., clinician mobile).

The Éclair D-dimer eOrder form will be amended to include questions for the referrer regarding eligibility and phoning to enable us to appropriately manage your requests. You will not be able to request a D-dimer unless you hold a valid scope of practice which includes the management of patients with VTE.

We’re pleased to introduce a new Central Region Directory, a recent initiative designed to help Awanui maintain accurate and up-to-date facility information.

To support this, we’re asking all facilities and customers to complete the Facility Contact Form. This will ensure we have the correct contact details and key information on file for your site.

Please note, this information is for internal use only. It will not be shared externally and will be used solely to help Awanui improve communication, coordination, and overall service delivery.

Having accurate information allows us to:

• Ensure the right people are contacted when needed
• Reduce delays and miscommunication
• Provide a more efficient and reliable service

As this is a new initiative in the region, your participation is essential to its success. We’d appreciate it if you could complete the form here at your earliest convenience.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to get in touch: WLG.Admin@awanuilabs.co.nz

Thank you for your support.