Lab Test

Digoxin Blood Level, Total

Lanoxin

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB23, Beaker: DIG, Antrim: 18285

Department

Chemistry

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect (preferred specimen): One plain Red-top tube (Minimum Whole Blood: 1.0 mL)
Also acceptable (not preferred): One Gold-top SST tube.

  • See Minimum Pediatric Specimen Requirements for Microtainer® collection.
  • Draw specimen at least 6 hours following last dose.
  • Record the exact time of specimen collection on the tube or in the computer system.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Let specimens clot 30-60 minutes and refrigerate (2-8°C or 36-46°F) within two hours of collection. (Minimum: 1.0 mL blood)

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: Collection tube, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum: 1.0 mL blood)

Rejection Criteria

  • Plasma specimens.
  • Severely lipemic or hemolyzed specimens.

In-Lab Processing

Let specimens clot 30-60 minutes and centrifuge to separate serum from cells. Deliver an aliqout of serum or the collection tube immediately to the appropriate testing station.

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Collection Tubes
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 24 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable

Serum Specimens (Pour-Overs)
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 24 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 3 months

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days

Laboratory

Canton Laboratory
Dearborn Chemistry Laboratory
Farmington Hills Chemistry Laboratory
Grosse Pointe Chemistry Laboratory
Lenox Main Laboratory
Livonia Main Laboratory
Royal Oak STAT Laboratory
Taylor Chemistry Laboratory
Trenton Chemistry Laboratory 
Troy Chemistry Laboratory
Wayne Chemistry Laboratory 

Performed

Sunday – Saturday, 24 hours a day.
STAT results available within 1 hour of receipt in the Laboratory.
Routine results available within 4 hours.

Reference Range

Therapeutic Range: 0.8-2.0 ng/mL.

Critical Values
Patients 0-70 Years: Greater than 2.5 ng/mL.
Patients Greater than 70 Years: Greater than 2.0 ng/mL.

Test Methodology

Particle Enhanced Turbidimetric Inhibition Immunoassay. 

Interpretation

Digoxin clearance is related to renal function. Renal disease or advanced age may necessitate a dose reduction. Blood samples drawn less than six hours post administration may be falsely elevated.

Clinical Utility

This assay is used to monitor the therapeutic drug level and evaluate the toxicity of digoxin. Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that is commonly prescribed to treat congestive heart failure.

CPT Codes

80162
LOINC:  10535-3

Contacts

Last Updated

10/22/2024

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