What is the digoxin (serum) lab test?
A digoxin (serum) lab test is a blood test that measures the level of digoxin in your blood.
Why is the digoxin (serum) lab test done?
A digoxin (serum) lab test is done in order to:
- Establish an appropriate dose of digoxin,
- Monitor the level of digoxin in the blood,
- Avoid digoxin overdose.
What does the digoxin (serum) lab test measure?
A digoxin (serum) lab test measures the amount of digoxin present in the blood. Digoxin is a medication that is prescribed to treat heart failure and irregular heartbeats.
Are there any risks associated with this test?
There are no known risks associated with this test.
How should I prepare for this test?
Your doctor may ask you to stop taking certain medicines before the test.
When should digoxin levels be checked?
Blood specimens for digoxin analysis should be drawn at least 6 to 8 hours after drug administration.
What is the most common first sign of digoxin toxicity?
The most common symptoms are gastrointestinal and include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
What is the significance of a serum digoxin level of 0.9 ng mL?
Digoxin serum concentrations greater than 1.2 ng/mL lead to an increased risk of mortality in patients with heart failure.
In patients of heart failure, the normal level of digoxin is between 0.5 – 0.9 ng/mL.
In patients of irregular heartbeat, the normal level of digoxin is between 0.5 – 2.0 ng/mL.
Any value higher than 4.0 ng/mL indicates toxicity.
A digoxin (serum) lab test is done in order to:
- Establish an appropriate dose of digoxin,
- Monitor the level of digoxin in the blood,
- Avoid digoxin overdose.