Ulta Lab Tests

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) is a serious, rapidly evolving problem with the body’s clotting system. Tiny clots form throughout the bloodstream (widespread micro-clotting), which consumes platelets and clotting factors. As these reserves run low, excessive bleeding can occur. DIC is usually triggered by another condition—most often sepsis, major trauma/burns/surgery, obstetric complications (e.g., placental abruption, amniotic fluid embolism), or certain cancers.

Because DIC can progress quickly, lab testing is used to support diagnosis, track severity, and monitor trends as your healthcare team treats the underlying cause.

If you suspect DIC or have severe bleeding, chest pain, trouble breathing, confusion, or signs of shock, seek emergency care immediately.

Signs & Symptoms (When to consider testing)

  • Bleeding: easy bruising, petechiae (tiny red/purple spots), gum or nose bleeding, oozing from IV/wound sites, heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged bleeding after procedures.

  • Clotting: new one-sided leg swelling/pain (possible DVT), sudden chest pain or shortness of breath (possible PE), cool/painful fingers or toes.

  • Systemic clues: fever or known sepsis, severe trauma or surgery, pregnancy-related emergencies, sudden drop in blood pressure, confusion, jaundice, decreased urine output.

  • Lab red flags your clinician may watch for: falling platelets, rising D-dimer, prolonged PT/INR or aPTT, falling fibrinogen.

Related searches: DIC blood test, consumptive coagulopathy, high D-dimer and low fibrinogen, PT/INR aPTT platelets, sepsis coagulation, microangiopathic hemolysis.

Why These Tests Matter

What DIC labs can do

  • Reveal consumption of clotting factors/platelets and excess fibrin breakdown.

  • Help differentiate DIC from other causes of abnormal bleeding or clotting (e.g., liver disease, TTP/HUS).

  • Provide trend data for severity scoring and response to care.

What they cannot do

  • Confirm DIC alone or identify the trigger without clinical context.

  • Replace imaging when clots are suspected (ultrasound/CT).

  • Substitute for urgent evaluation in rapidly worsening cases.

What These Tests Measure (at a glance)

  • CBC with Platelets: typically low or falling platelets.

  • PT/INR and aPTT: often prolonged as clotting factors are consumed.

  • Fibrinogen (activity): often low in DIC (can be near-normal early or during inflammation—trends matter).

  • D-dimer / Fibrin Degradation Products (FDPs): usually markedly elevated from ongoing clot breakdown.

  • Peripheral Blood Smear: may show schistocytes (fragmented RBCs) suggesting microangiopathic hemolysis.

  • Antithrombin activity: can be reduced in DIC.

  • Liver/Kidney markers (CMP), LDH, bilirubin, haptoglobin: provide organ and hemolysis context.

Clinicians may use trend-based scoring (combining platelets, PT, fibrinogen, D-dimer) to support diagnosis and monitoring.

How the Testing Process Works

  1. Order online: choose a DIC/coagulation screen or targeted markers (per your clinician’s guidance).

  2. Visit a local lab: quick blood draw; sometimes multiple tubes are required.

  3. Get results fast: most post within 24–48 hours to your secure account.

  4. Review with your clinician: labs are interpreted with symptoms, vitals, imaging, and the suspected trigger.

DIC is often an in-hospital diagnosis and management issue. Use direct-access labs for non-emergent follow-up or clinician-directed trend checks.

Interpreting Results (general guidance)

  • Platelets ↓ + PT/INR ↑ and/or aPTT ↑ + Fibrinogen ↓ + D-dimer ↑ → supports consumptive coagulopathypattern seen in DIC.

  • Both PT and aPTT prolonged with low fibrinogen and high D-dimer/FDPs → stronger DIC signal.

  • Schistocytes on smear + hemolysis labs (LDH ↑, bilirubin ↑, haptoglobin ↓) → suggest microangiopathic hemolysis seen in DIC.

  • Factor patterns/liver tests may help distinguish DIC vs. liver failure.

  • Normal results do not exclude early or chronic/compensated DIC—repeat testing and trends are key.

Always interpret results with a qualified healthcare professional.

Choosing Panels vs. Individual Tests

  • Initial screen (unclear bleeding/clotting): CBC with platelets + PT/INR + aPTT + Fibrinogen + D-dimer.

  • If hemolysis suspected: add LDH, total/indirect bilirubin, haptoglobin, peripheral smear.

  • Severity/monitoring: repeat platelets, PT/INR, aPTT, fibrinogen, D-dimer to follow trends.

  • Differential diagnosis: consider liver panel, antithrombin, and clinician-directed tests (e.g., mixing studies, lupus anticoagulant) when appropriate.

FAQs

What is DIC?
A consumptive coagulopathy in which widespread clotting uses up platelets and clotting factors, leading to both clots and bleeding.

What conditions trigger DIC?
Common triggers include sepsis, severe trauma/burns, major surgery, obstetric emergencies, and certain cancers.

Which blood tests are most useful?
Platelet count, PT/INR, aPTT, fibrinogen, and D-dimer—plus a peripheral smear and hemolysis markers as needed.

Can lab tests alone diagnose DIC?
No. Diagnosis relies on clinical context + lab patterns + trends. Your clinician may use a DIC score to support decisions.

How quickly will I get results?
Most tests are available within 24–48 hours; urgent hospital testing may be much faster.

Is DIC an emergency?
Often, yes. Sudden bleeding, signs of clots, or shock require immediate medical care.

Internal Links & Cross-References

  • Blood Disorders Hub

  • Blood Coagulation

  • Bleeding Disorders

  • Hemolytic Anemia

  • Sepsis/Lactate Testing

  • Liver Function Tests

  • Key Lab Tests: PT/INR • aPTT • Fibrinogen • D-dimer/FDP • Platelet Count • Peripheral Smear • Antithrombin • LDH • Bilirubin • Haptoglobin

Available Tests & Panels

Tip: Begin with a core DIC screen (CBC with platelets, PT/INR, aPTT, fibrinogen, D-dimer). Add hemolysis markersand organ panels based on your clinician’s guidance and trends.

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The Prothrombin Time with INR Test measures how long it takes blood to clot and calculates the international normalized ratio (INR) for accuracy. It is commonly used to monitor patients on blood-thinning medications like warfarin and to evaluate bleeding disorders, liver disease, or vitamin K deficiency. Doctors order this test to investigate easy bruising, frequent nosebleeds, or prolonged bleeding and to ensure safe and effective anticoagulant therapy.

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Also Known As: PT with INR Test
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The Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) Test measures how long it takes blood to clot, evaluating clotting factors and overall coagulation function. Abnormal results may indicate bleeding disorders, hemophilia, liver disease, or clotting factor deficiencies. Doctors also use this test to monitor patients on heparin therapy. Results provide essential insight into blood clotting, bleeding risk, and treatment management for safe medical care.

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Blood Draw
Also Known As: aPTT Test, PTT Test
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The D-Dimer Test measures fragments of blood clots to help detect abnormal clotting activity. Elevated levels may indicate deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Doctors often order this test when patients have symptoms like leg pain, chest pain, or shortness of breath. Results provide vital insight into clotting risk, helping guide diagnosis and management of thrombotic disorders.

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Blood Draw
Also Known As: Fragment D-Dimer Test, Fibrin Degradation Fragment Test
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The Fibrin Monomer Test measures soluble fibrin monomer complexes that form during the early stages of blood clot development. Elevated levels indicate active coagulation and may signal disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), thrombosis, or other hypercoagulable states. This test helps clinicians assess clot formation activity and monitor coagulation disorders in critical care or hematologic conditions.

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The Fibrinogen Antigen Test measures the amount of fibrinogen, a protein essential for blood clot formation and wound healing. Low levels may reflect bleeding disorders, liver disease, or fibrinolysis, while elevated levels are linked to inflammation and cardiovascular risk. This test provides insight into coagulation status, thrombotic risk, and systemic inflammation, supporting evaluation of clotting function and overall vascular health.

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Also Known As: Fibrinogen Antigen Nephelometry Test
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The Fibrinogen Degradation Products Semi Quantitative Test measures fragments produced when fibrinogen and fibrin are broken down, reflecting clot dissolution and fibrinolytic activity. Elevated FDP levels may indicate disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), thrombotic disorders, or excessive clot breakdown. This test provides insight into coagulation balance, fibrin metabolism, and abnormal bleeding or clotting risk.

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The Cardio IQ™ Fibrinogen Antigen Test evaluates fibrinogen concentration, a key protein that influences clotting and cardiovascular disease risk. It provides insight into vascular inflammation, atherosclerosis, and thrombotic events. This test helps identify factors that contribute to stroke, coronary artery disease, and systemic vascular complications, offering valuable information for assessing overall cardiovascular health.

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Also Known As: Fibrinogen Antigen Nephelometry Test
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The Complete Blood Count with Differential and Platelets Test is a comprehensive blood test that checks red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets. The differential analyzes types of white blood cells to detect infections, anemia, clotting abnormalities, immune conditions, and certain cancers. This essential test is often ordered for routine health exams, diagnosis, and monitoring treatment progress.

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Also Known As: CBC Test, CBC with Differential and Platelets Test, CBC w/Diff and Platelets Test, Full Blood Count Test, Complete Blood Count Test
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The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) Test measures 21 markers to assess metabolic health, liver and kidney function, and electrolyte balance. It includes glucose, calcium, sodium, potassium, chloride, CO2, albumin, globulin, A/G ratio, total protein, bilirubin, ALP, AST, ALT, BUN, creatinine, BUN/creatinine ratio, and eGFR. The CMP helps detect diabetes, liver or kidney disease, and supports routine screening and chronic condition monitoring.

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Also Known As: CMP Test, Chemistry Panel Test, Chem Test, Chem 21 Test, Chem 14 Test 
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The Plasminogen Activity Test measures the function of plasminogen, a key protein involved in breaking down blood clots and maintaining healthy circulation. Low activity may indicate risk for abnormal clotting or thrombotic conditions, while elevated activity may suggest bleeding disorders. This test supports evaluation of fibrinolysis, helping to assess clot formation, cardiovascular health, and related hemostatic balance.

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The Protein C Activity Test measures the activity of protein C, a natural anticoagulant that regulates blood clotting. Low activity can indicate inherited or acquired protein C deficiency, increasing the risk of abnormal clot formation, deep vein thrombosis, or pulmonary embolism. This test supports evaluation of clotting disorders and provides insight into overall coagulation balance and vascular health.

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The Protein C Activity Test with Reflex to Protein C Antigen measures the functional activity of Protein C, a vitamin K–dependent anticoagulant that regulates clot formation. Low Protein C activity can increase the risk of abnormal blood clots and may result from congenital deficiency, liver disease, or vitamin K deficiency. Reflex testing to Protein C antigen helps distinguish between quantitative and functional deficiencies.

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The Protein C Antigen Test measures the quantity of Protein C, a vitamin K–dependent anticoagulant that regulates clot formation. Low antigen levels may indicate inherited or acquired Protein C deficiency, which increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis or other clotting disorders. This test helps differentiate between quantitative and functional deficiencies when evaluating abnormal coagulation.

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What Is a DIC Test and Who Should Get One?

In 2016, there were 8,704 hospital admissions due to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) with an average age of 56. DIC is a serious and potentially fatal bleeding disorder, especially if you don't get immediate treatment.

Bleeding disorders develop when your blood doesn't clot properly. Sometimes they can occur spontaneously or due to injury and illness. For this reason, a DIC test is critical in letting you know where you stand. 

Suffering from DIC isn't anything that should be taken lightly. Keep reading this guide to find out everything you need to know about DIC and DIC tests.

What Is DIC?

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a condition that develops in your blood. In the initial stages of DIC, your blood clots excessively. These clots can reduce blood flow to parts of your body and even organs.

Eventually, as DIC progresses, your body ends up using all of its platelets and clotting components. As a result, you begin to experience excessive and life-threatening bleeding.

When the clotting proteins in your blood are depleted, you are at serious risk of bleeding, even from a minor injury. You can also have bleeding that spontaneously starts on its own.

DIC can be both acute and chronic. Acute DIC starts rapidly developing over hours or days. Acute DIC is severe, and immediate hospital admission is necessary. Acute DIC is usually caused by trauma, surgery, or infection.

You develop blood clotting over time with chronic DIC, but it doesn't lead to bleeding like acute DIC. Chronic DIC usually results from blood clotting disorders or leukemia-like cancers. 

Risk factors for DIC

There are certain medical conditions and traumatic situations that put you at a higher risk of developing DIC. These include:

  • You've had surgery recently
  • You've delivered a baby recently
  • You've had a miscarriage 
  • A recent blood transfusion
  • Recent anesthesia
  • Sepsis or any fungal or bacterial infection
  • History of certain cancers like leukemia

Other risk factors include damage from serious trauma, burn, or head injury. You're also at increased risk for DIC if you have liver disease.

Causes of DIC

What causes disseminated intravascular coagulation? During the normal clotting process, the proteins that help your blood clot become overly active, which causes DIC. Common causes of DIC include:

  • Infection
  • Severe trauma
  • Inflammation
  • Surgery
  • Cancer

Other less common causes include hypothermia, pancreatitis, venomous snack bites, burns, and bleeding complications.

Signs and Symptoms of DIC

The main symptom of DIC is bleeding, often in many locations. The most common place to bleed from is the tissue from your mouth and nose. DIC can also cause internal bleeding. Other symptoms you might notice include:

  • Blood clots
  • Bruising easily
  • Vaginal or rectal bleeding
  • Red dots on your skin called petechiae

If you have cancer, DIC typically begins slowly with clotting in the veins rather than excessive bleeding.

Complications can occur if acute DIC isn't treated immediately. These complications usually come from the early stages of blood clots and after the clotting factors are depleted. 

Complications usually include excessive bleeding that can lead to death, stroke, or blood clots that cut off blood supply to your limbs or organs.

How is DIC Diagnosed?

It's essential to remember acute DIC is a medical emergency and requires medical treatment. DIC can become life-threatening if not treated right away. If you have signs and symptoms of severe bleeding, it's critical to call 911 right away.

Your doctor will do a physical exam, take your medical history, and ask you about your symptoms. If your doctor suspects you have DIC, they will order a series of blood tests.

These blood tests can identify your clotting factors, levels of platelets, and other blood components. Doctors make a diagnosis based on the combination of these results.

Lab Tests for DIC

A disseminated intravascular coagulation test includes a combination of tests to determine how fast your blood is clotting and how your blood clotting factors compare to the normal ranges.

The first test is an activated partial thromboplastin time (PTT) test. This test measures for any deficiencies of your plasma coagulation factors except for factors VII and XIII.

The next test is Prothrombin Time (PT) INR. This test measures any coagulation factors abnormalities and determines if your blood clots are too fast or not fast enough.

A fibrinogen activity test measures the level of fibrinogen in your blood. Fibrinogen is essential for blood clots to form. If your fibrinogen is low, you can be at risk for severe bleeding disorders.

The D-Dimer test tests the amount of D-Dimer or products of the activation of the fibrinolytic system. When this is activated, you're at high risk of developing serious blot clots.

A fibrin monomer test is instrumental in diagnosing DIC and differentiating it from other blood clotting disorders.

DIC Scoring

The International Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis developed a scoring scale as a guideline for diagnosing DIC. The design of this scale is specifically for people with critical illnesses known to trigger DIC. This scale categorizes patients with either "probably overt DIC" or "not overt DIC" based on specific lab parameters.

Your platelet count, fibrin makers, prothrombin time, and fibrinogen levels are measured and scored from 0 to 2. Low levels of each of these values get the highest amount of points.

Frequently Asked Questions About DIC

Are you wondering how worried you should be after a blood transfusion reaction? The good news is, any reaction from blood transfusions, including DIC, is rare. All blood goes through a strict screening process to determine blood type. 

Is there one single treatment for DIC? Treatment for DIC usually includes transfusions of red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, and other clotting factors. The replacement of blood platelets helps stop the bleeding and replace clotting factors.

What's the most common cause of DIC? Most of the time, inflammation, cancer, and infection are at the top of the list.   

DIC Test With Ulta Lab Tests

Ulta Lab Tests offers tests that are highly accurate and reliable, allowing you to make the best decisions about your health. Here are a few fantastic things to love about Ulta Lab Tests:

  • Secure and confidential results
  • No need for health insurance
  • No need for a physician's referral
  • Affordable pricing
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee

Order your DIC test today, and your results will be provided to you securely online in 24 to 48 hours in most cases.

Take charge of your health and shop with Ulta Lab Tests today!