|
Test ID: Digoxin
|
|
Digoxin Level
|
|
|
|
Useful For
|
To monitor therapeutic drug level and to diagnose digoxin toxicity.
|
|
Method name and description
|
Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) intended for use on the cobas e 801 immunoassay analyzer. Patient specimen with digoxin‑specific ruthenium-labeled antibody formed an immunocomplex. After addition of streptavidin-coated microparticles, the still-vacant sites of the ruthenium labeled antibodies become occupied, with formation of an antibody-hapten complex and the complex becomes bound to the solid phase via interaction of biotin and streptavidin. The reaction mixture is aspirated into the measuring cell where the microparticles are magnetically captured onto the surface of the electrode. Unbound substances are then removed with ProCell /ProCell M. Application of a voltage to the electrode then induces chemiluminescent emission which is measured by a photomultiplier. Results are determined via a calibration curve which is instrument specifically generated by 2‑point calibration and a master curve.
|
|
Clinical information
|
Digoxin is a widely prescribed steroidal cardio-active glycoside. It acts by binding and inhibiting the Na+/K+-ATPase which in the end increases the intracellular Ca2+ concentration. It improves the strength of myocardial contraction and results in the beneficial effects of increased cardiac output, increased Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction, and decreased Pulmonary Capillary Wedge pressure. Digoxin therapy also results in stabilized and slowed ventricular pulse rate. Monitoring serum or plasma levels may provide the physician with useful information to aid in adjusting patient dosage, and achieving optimal therapeutic effect, while avoiding both subtherapeutic and harmful toxic drug levels.
|
|
|
Specimen type / Specimen volume / Specimen container
|
Specimen type: Serum, Plasma
Minimum volume of sample: 1 mL
Serum: Plain tube (red or yellow top)
Plasma: Li‑heparin tube
|
|
Collection instructions / Special Precautions / Timing of collection
|
Digoxin analyses should be collected preferably at trough levels which is just prior to the next drug dose or at least 12 hours, and preferably 24 hours after the previous digoxin dose.
|
|
Storage and transport instructions
|
Storage: 7 days at 15-25 °C
14 days at 2 – 8°C
6 months at -20°C
Transport: 2-25°C
|
|
Specimen Rejection Criteria
|
Grossly hemolyzed, icteric and lipemic samples, wrong collection container, insufficient sample.
|
|
|
Biological reference intervals and clinical decision values
|
Interpretative Data:
Therapeutic range: 0.6 – 2.0 ug/L
Toxic range: > 2.0 ug/L
|
|
Turnaround time / Days and times test performed / Specimen retention time
|
Daily (24/7)
Turn-around time:
STAT: 1 hour
Routine: One working day
Specimen Retention: 4 days
|
|
|
