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Test Code 500 Digoxin

Important Note

Human Anti-Mouse Antibodies (HAMA) may be present in samples from patients who have received immunotherapy utilizing monoclonal antibodies. Additionally, other heterophile antibodies such as human anti-goat antibodies may be present in patient samples. Manufacturers formulate assays to minimize the effects of these antibodies; however careful evaluation of patient results must be done when patients are known to have such antibodies. These specimens should not be assayed with this Digoxin procedure.

Digoxin-Like Immunoreactive Factors (DLIF) or Digoxin-Like Immunoreactive Substances (DLIS) have been identified in blood from patients in renal failure, liver failure, newborns and pregnant women in the third trimester. Studies have established that the presence of DLIF or DLIS in a sample can result in a false elevation of Digoxin by this method.

Specimens from patients undergoing Digoxin Immune FAB (i.e. Digibind) treatment should not be assayed with this Digoxin procedure until 48 hours after administration of Digibind.

Additional Codes

ALAB: DIG

PowerChart: Digoxin Level

MA Cerner: Digoxin Level.

Test Method

Particle Enhanced Turbidimetric Inhibition Immunoassay; Beckman DxC700AU

Specimen Requirement

0.5 mL serum or plasma is required.

Additional Specimen Collection Information

Collect blood in a lithium heparin, green-top or red-top tube. Serum and plasma gel tubes are NOT acceptable. Recommended collection time is at least 8 hours after the last dose of medication. Serum or plasma should be separated from contact with cells within 2 hours of collection. Specimens not centrifuged within 4 hours of collection may be rejected. Refrigerate specimen if unable to assay within 8 hours of collection. Samples with >4+ lipemia should be cleared prior to analysis.

Performance

Testing is performed Monday through Sunday.

Routine: Typically completed within 4 hours after the specimen arrives at the testing site.

Expedite: Typically completed within 4 hours after the specimen arrives at the testing site.

STAT: Typically completed within 40 minutes after the specimen arrives at the testing site.

Reference Values

0.8-2.0 ng/mL

  • Toxic Level: >2.5 ng/mL

CPT Code Information

80162: Therapeutic Drug Levels Digoxin

Useful For

Monitoring digoxin therapy

LOINC Code Information

10535-3 Digoxin [Mass/Volume] In Serum Or Plasma