Digoxin Level

Message

Chemistry

Test Code

LAB23

Alias/See Also

Dig

CPT Codes
80162

Includes

Digoxin

Preferred Specimen

Gold top (serum separator tube)

Minimum Volume

Whole blood: 600 uL (TWO full red-top microtainers).

Serum: 300 uL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Red Top Acceptable

Plasma not an acceptable alternate due to results bias

Instructions

Routine specimens for digoxin must be drawn at least 8 hours after administration of the drug. STAT orders or specific physician orders can over-ride this instruction. Green top tubes no longer acceptable due to a results bias, 7-5-2012. LAB: Hemolyzed specimens should not be used. Separate specimen within 4 hours of collection. Ambient: up to 8 hours. Refrigerated: 1 week. Freeze for longer storage. Centrifuge refrigerated or frozen specimens prior to analysis.

Specimen Stability

Ambient: up to 8 hours.
Refrigerated: 1 week.
Freezen: 4 months

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Hemolyzed, contaminated, not enough volume

FDA Status
Approved

Setup Schedule

Everyday

Report Available

Same day

Limitations

The Digoxin Immune FAB (Digibind), which is used in the treatment of digoxin intoxication, has been found to interfere with immunoassay measurements. Digoxin measurements in patients that have been administered Digibind should be interpreted with caution.

Reference Range

Therapeutic: 0.8 - 2.0 ng/ml

Performing Laboratory
Hoag Newport/ Hoag Irvine

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.