Digoxin Test
500 Kshs | Home Collection Available
Synonyms
Lanoxin
Purpose
The Digoxin Test measures the concentration of digoxin, a medication commonly prescribed to manage certain heart conditions, including atrial fibrillation and heart failure.
The test ensures that digoxin levels remain within the therapeutic range, as levels that are too high can lead to toxicity, while low levels may be ineffective in managing symptoms. Monitoring digoxin is crucial because the drug has a narrow therapeutic window, and even small variations can result in adverse effects such as nausea, dizziness, arrhythmias, or confusion.
Other medical laboratory tests commonly done alongside the Digoxin Test include Electrolyte Panel, Kidney Function Tests (Creatinine, BUN), Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG), and Liver Function Tests.
Patient Preparation
The patient must not be on digitoxin therapy and should not take biotin at least 72 hours before the test.
Samples
Minimum 1ml of serum collected in a Gel-barrier tube (preferred) or a red-top tube and centrifuged within 2 hours of collection. If you use a red-top tube, transfer the separated serum to a plastic transport tube.
Draw blood specimens six to eight hours after the administration of the last dose. (Levels drawn earlier than six hours after a dose will be artificially elevated.) Collect specimens just before the dose if a steady-state estimate is needed. The steady-state is usually attained in five days. Store specimens at room temperature (stable for 2 weeks).
Reference Range
0.5-0.9 ng/mL.
Results Turnaround
1 day after receipt of samples.
Diseases / Diagnostic indicators
The Digoxin Test helps diagnose digoxin toxicity and ensures effective dosing in the treatment of certain heart conditions, such as Atrial fibrillation and Congestive heart failure (CHF). The test results may indicate;
Therapeutic range (usually 0.5–2.0 ng/mL): Indicates that digoxin levels are within the safe and effective range for managing heart conditions.
Low digoxin levels:
- May suggest subtherapeutic dosing, leading to ineffective symptom control or relapse of arrhythmia or heart failure.
High digoxin levels:
Suggest digoxin toxicity, which may cause symptoms like nausea, visual disturbances (e.g., seeing halos), confusion, irregular heartbeats, and in severe cases, cardiac arrest. Immediate medical review is necessary.
For more on the Digoxin testing, read this study.