Last updated October 13, 2026 · Report an error
Per the ADJUST-PE study (Righini M, et al. "Age-Adjusted D-Dimer Cutoff Levels to Rule Out Pulmonary Embolism", JAMA 2014;311(11):1117-1124), for patients over 50 the age-adjusted D-dimer cutoff is: cutoff (ng/mL FEU) = age x 10. For age 50 and under, the traditional fixed cutoff of 500 ng/mL FEU is used. This tool reports the reference cutoff value only — it does not interpret an actual D-dimer result or assess pulmonary embolism risk. For general reference and educational purposes only — not a medical diagnosis. Consult a doctor for actual D-dimer interpretation, which also depends on the specific assay and pre-test probability.
How it works
Enter the patient's age. The tool applies the ADJUST-PE formula (age x 10) for ages over 50, or reports the traditional fixed 500 ng/mL FEU cutoff for age 50 and under.
- Enter age (years).
- Click Calculate to see your results.
Examples
Age 60
Cutoff = 60 x 10 = 600 ng/mL FEU, per the ADJUST-PE age-adjusted formula.
Age 45
Cutoff = 500 ng/mL FEU (traditional fixed cutoff, since age is 50 or under).
Who should use it
- Reviewing D-dimer reference ranges for older patients.
- Emergency medicine and internal medicine education.
Industry applications
- Emergency medicine reference
- Hematology and pulmonology education
Advantages
- Based on a well-cited, peer-reviewed study (ADJUST-PE, JAMA 2014).
- Simple, transparent formula.
Limitations
- Reference cutoff only — does not interpret an actual result or assess PE risk.
- Assumes FEU units; some labs report D-dimer in different units (DDU), which do not directly apply this cutoff.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying the age-adjusted formula to patients age 50 or under, where the traditional fixed 500 ng/mL FEU cutoff still applies.
- Treating this cutoff as a diagnosis rather than a reference threshold used alongside clinical probability assessment.
Best practices
- Always interpret D-dimer results together with pre-test clinical probability (e.g. a validated score) and a doctor's assessment.
Tips
- This cutoff applies specifically to D-dimer reported in FEU (fibrinogen equivalent units) — confirm your lab's reporting units before comparing.