Test directory: Digoxin

Ordering Code437
Test NameDigoxin
Preferred SpecimenSerum
Preferred ContainerSST (Gold)
Other Specimen/ContainerPlasma in Lithium Heparin (Green),
Serum in Plain (Red)
Optimum Volume0.5 mL
Collection InstructionsBlood samples for digoxin should be collected at trough levels which is just prior to the next drug dose or at least 12 hours, preferably 24 hours after the previous digoxin dose. Considering a blood elimination half-life of 1.5 days, steady state blood concentrations require approximately 1 week after initiation of therapy - or longer in case of abnormal kidney function.
Handling InstructionsSend aliquot if transport time >24 hours.
Transport RequirementsOahu: Refrigerated
Airline: Frozen
Send frozen aliquot if transport to laboratory is >2 Days
Specimen StabilityAmbient: 7 Days
Refrigerated: 24 Hours (Centrifuged, unaliquoted gel separator tubes) 14 Days (Aliquot)
Frozen: 6 Months (Aliquot)
Frozen samples should be thawed only once.
Test cannot be added to >24 hours unaliquoted specimens collected in a gel separator tube.
Rejection CriteriaHemolyzed, Insufficient quantity, Specimen older than stability limits, Uncentrifuged gel separator tube specimens >2 hours old, Unaliquoted gel separator tube specimens >24 hours old
Avail. StatYES
Analytic Time1 Day
MethodologyElectrochemiluminescence Immunoassay

Reference range(s)

ComponentAgeMale NormMale Critical LowMale Critical HighFemale NormFemale Critical HighFemale Critical LowUnitsAdd'l info
DigoxinALL0.6-2.0>= 2.50.6-2.0>= 2.5ng/mL