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Test Code DIG DIGOXIN, SERUM

Additional Codes

Software Test Code
Label Text DIG
EPIC LAB23

Performing Laboratory

NorDx Laboratories

Useful For

Monitoring the dosage of digoxin to guard against toxicity

Method Name

Immunoassay (IA)

Reference Values

Therapeutic range Report Comment:

Heart Failure: 0.5-0.9 ng/ml
Atrial fibrillation: 0.8-1.2 ng/ml

Loading doses given: obtain level with morning labs (prior to dose) in 3-5 days .

No loading doses or with change in maintenance dose: obtain level with morning labs (prior to dose) in 5-7 days. 
Toxic concentration: >2.5 ng/mL

Days and Times Test Performed

Monday through Sunday

Report Available

1 Day

Available Stat

Specimen Type

Submit one of the following:

~ Plasma

~ Serum

Preferred Container

Plasma Separator Tube (PST) 

Serum Separator Tube (SST)

Preferred Volume

Plasma: 0.5 mL (Plasma Separator Tube (PST)) 

Serum: 0.5 mL (Serum Separator Tube (SST))

Minimum Volume

Plasma: 0.3 mL (Plasma Separator Tube (PST))

Serum: 0.3 mL (Serum Separator Tube (SST))

Specimen Collection and Handling

1. Digoxin specimens should be drawn six hours post dose for correlation of serum and tissue concentrations.

2. Spin specimen, separate from clot and send refrigerated.

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type: Plasma

Frozen: 6 Days

Refrigerated: 24 Hours

Must be spun/separated within: 2 Hours

Note: Freeze at-20 for long term storage

Specimen Type: Serum

Frozen: 6 Days

Refrigerated: 24 Hours

Must be spun/separated within: 2 Hours

Note: Freeze at-20 for long term storage

Add On Capable

Yes

Advance Beneficiary Notice Requirements

This test, when ordered on Medicare patients, is subject to the National Coverage Determination (NCD) policies. Please verify that the diagnosis code (ICD code) you have chosen demonstrates medical necessity for the test as documented in the physician’s patient record. The CMS web site is available to assist you with this verification. A properly executed Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN) must be submitted with the specimen if medical necessity is not demonstrated by the ICD code chosen.

CPT Code Information

CPT Code

CPT Description

CPT Disclaimer
80162 Drug Screen Quantitative Digoxin, Total  

Keywords

LANOXIN® (DIGOXIN)

TDM

THERAPEUTIC DRUG MONITORING

Performing Laboratory Location

NorDx Laboratories

Clinical Significance

When digoxin is used in the treatment of heart failure, the serum digoxin level should be measured 7 to 10 days after starting digoxin or changing the dose of digoxin, at which point a steady state should have been achieved. For patients with heart failure, maintaining a digoxin level between 0.5 and 0.9 ng/mL is suggested for maximal efficacy with minimal risk of toxicity.

LOINC Code Information

10535-3

Acceptable Alternative Container(s)

Red Top Tube