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HelpTest Code DIGOX Digoxin
Useful For
Digoxin, which improves the pumping action of the heart, is an inotropic agent. It is the cardiac glycoside most frequently prescribed for the treatment of congestive heart failure and disorders characterized by abnormal heart rate. Digoxin functions by stimulating the contraction of heart muscle and slowing ventricular rate. Toxicity is frequently of concern.
Synonyms/Keywords
Lanoxin, DIG, Digitalis
Specimen Requirements
| Fasting Required | Specimen Type | Preferred Container/Tube | Acceptable Container/Tube | Specimen Volume | Specimen Minimum Volume (allows for 1 repeat) |
Pediatric Minimum Volume (no repeat) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No | Plasma/Serum | Lithium-heparin Plasma Separator (PST), Serum Separator Tube (SST) | Lithium or Sodium-heparin Green Top (GTT), Red Top Tube (RTT) | 1 mL | 0.3 mL | 0.6 mL whole blood |
Collection/Processing Instructions
Collect specimen no sooner than 8 hours after last dose.
Remove sample from cells as soon as possible after collection.
Plasma/serum must be removed from gel within 24 hours of collection.
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Plasma/Serum | Refrigerate | 7 days |
| Frozen | 1 year |
Rejection Criteria
Plasma/serum not removed from gel within 24 hours of collection.
Test Information
Monitor serum level 8-24 hours after dosing (either oral or IV), or before administration of next dose. At this interval, equilibration with tissues is optimal and levels will correlate best with cardiac activity. With normal renal function, time to a new steady state level is 5 days - 2 weeks (or longer with reduced renal function or congestive heart failure).
Half life (healthy adult): 30 - 35 hours.
Time to peak level: Plasma = 2 - 3 hours after last dose; Tissues = at least 8 hours after last dose. Quinidine, verapamil, amiodarone or flecainide decrease clearance of digoxin and increase plasma levels.
Interferences
For testing performed at Weston: High doses of exogenous biotin (also termed Vitamin B7, Vitamin H or Coenzyme R) may interfere with this assay. It is recommended that patients refrain from consuming any multivitamin or supplement containing biotin for at least 72 hours prior to collection of a blood sample.
Reference Range Information
| Performing Location | Reference Range |
|---|---|
| All Performing Sites | Therapeutic: 0.5-2.0 ng/mL |
| See Critical Value List for list of current critical values | |
Marshfield Labs Performing Department
Marshfield Labs Chemistry
Performing Information
| Performing Location | Day(s) Test Performed | Analytical Time | Methodology/Instrumentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marshfield | Monday through Sunday | Less than 2 hours | Emit*2000 Rate Assay/Beckman AU |
CPT Codes
| CPT | Modifier (if needed) |
Quantity | Description | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80162 |
Outreach CPT Codes
| CPT | Modifier (if needed) |
Quantity | Description | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80162 |
Ordering Applications
| Ordering Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Cerner | Digoxin Level |