DEXAMETHASONE SUPPRESSION TEST

Message

Draw serum between 7:00 am - 9:00 am following the administration of 1mg Dexamethasone between the hours of 11:00 pm - midnight. This test is not for dexamethasone compliance. If compliance is desired, order DEXA (Dexamethasone).

Test Code

DSTQ

CPT Codes
82533

Includes

Cortisol

Preferred Specimen

1 Gold tube (Serum Separator)

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

or 1 Lavender tube (EDTA)
or 1 Green tube (Lithium heparin)

Instructions

Centrifuge for complete separation of plasma/serum and red cells within 2 hours. Aliquot plasma samples into a transfer tube. If testing cannot be completed within 48 hours, freeze.

Transport Temperature

Refrigerate

Specimen Stability

2-8ºC up to 2 days; Frozen samples are stable 7 days

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

Hemolyzed samples will be rejected.

Methodology

Immunoassay

Setup Schedule

M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa, Su

Reference Range

<3 ug/dL

Click here for testing algorithm

Clinical Significance

This assay measures the cortisol level 8 hours following the administration of Dexamethasone. Used as an aid in the diagnosis of Cushing syndrome.

Performed By
Alverno Laboratories

Performing Laboratory
Alverno Central Lab
NCHB2 (Chemistry, Beckman DxI)

Last Updated: April 25, 2023

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.