Deoxycorticosterone (DOC)
Use
The Deoxycorticosterone (DOC) test measures the level of DOC in the blood. DOC is a steroid hormone that is a precursor to aldosterone and plays a role in the body's water balance and blood pressure regulation. This test is used to evaluate conditions related to adrenal gland function, such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia, aldosteronism, and other disorders that may alter adrenal steroid production.
Special Instructions
Separate serum from cells within one hour of collection. Transfer specimen to a plastic transport tube before freezing. To avoid delays in turnaround time when requesting multiple tests on frozen samples, please submit separate frozen specimens for each test requested.
Limitations
The test may have limitations in detecting very low levels of DOC, and external conditions or patient medications may influence results. Not all causes of altered DOC levels are due to adrenal disorders. The test might not differentiate between DOC and other similar steroid hormones without confirmation. Analytical interference can occur from substances that share chemical characteristics with DOC.
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 1656-8
- 1656-8
Result Turnaround Time
6-15 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
3 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube, lavender-top (EDTA) tube, or green-top (heparin) tube
Collection Instructions
Separate serum from cells within one hour of collection. Transfer specimen to a plastic transport tube before freezing.
Storage Instructions
Freeze
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 3 days |
| Refrigerated | 3 days |
| Frozen | 2 years |
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