Digitoxin, Serum
Use
Digitoxin testing is used primarily to monitor therapeutic levels in patients receiving digitoxin for cardiac conditions such as heart failure or atrial fibrillation. Maintaining therapeutic drug levels is crucial in avoiding toxicity and ensuring the drug effectively supports cardiac function. Clinical practitioners use these results to adjust dosages and assess compliance to treatment regimens.
Special Instructions
Ensure that specimens are submitted individually, as sharing between multiple orders is not allowed. Serum gel tubes are not acceptable for specimen collection; use plain red-top tubes. Careful adherence to specimen handling and submission is critical for accurate results.
Limitations
The test is specific to digitoxin levels and does not cross-react with other cardiac glycosides such as digoxin. It is important to note that factors such as improper sample collection, handling, or interference from other medications may affect the accuracy of test results. Results outside the therapeutic range should be evaluated alongside clinical assessments and additional tests if necessary.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (IA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 3559-2
- 3559-2
Result Turnaround Time
9-11 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.4 mL
Container
Red top (collection), Plastic vial (submission)
Collection Instructions
Draw blood in a plain, red-top tube(s). Serum gel tube is not acceptable. Centrifuge and send 1 mL of serum refrigerated in a plastic, preservative-free vial.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate if possible. If not, freezing is an alternative for longer transport.
Causes for Rejection
Room Temperature; Serum gel tube (SST), Plasma gel tube (PST)
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | 90 days |