Dexamethasone Level

Overview

  • EPIC Code:
  • LAB2639
  • Soft Test Code:
  • MSOT
  • Send Out Test Code:
  • 29391
Alternate Names
  • Dex Level
Clinical Significance

Measurement of Dexamethasone is useful in assuring compliance with Dexamethasone treatment and documenting adequate dosing during such procedures as the Dexamethasone Suppression Test used in the differential diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome.


Specimen Collection & Preparation

Specimen Requirements:

-OR-

1.0 mL Serum from a Red Top Tube in a Plastic Vial
Minimum Volume:
0.25 mL *

* This volume does not allow for repeat testing

Collection Instructions:

Draw specimen between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.


Rejection Criteria:

Gross hemolysis

Grossly lipemic

Serum separator tube (SST)


Transport and Storage:
  • Ambient (18-24°C): 72 Hours
  • Refrigerated (2-8°C): 14 Days

    Transport 

    Cold Packs

  • Frozen (-20° C or colder): 90 Days

Clinical Interpretation

Reference Range:

Baseline Less than 20 ng/dL
1 mg dexamethasone overnight 180-550 ng/dL (8:00-10:00 AM)


Methodology:
  • Chromatography / Mass Spectrometry
Clinical Significance

Measurement of Dexamethasone is useful in assuring compliance with Dexamethasone treatment and documenting adequate dosing during such procedures as the Dexamethasone Suppression Test used in the differential diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome.


Production Schedule

Sites Performed
  • Quest - Chantilly to San Juan Capistrano
Days Performed
Monday
Departments
  • Sendouts - Miscellaneous
Turn Around Time

3 to 11 days


Coding & Compliance

CDM

00913333


CPT Coding

80299