Overview

EPIC Code:
LAB2287

Soft Test Code:
DST

Alternate Names

Dexamethasone Suppresion for Depression
DST

Included Tests

Baseline Cortisol; 4pm Cortisol; 11pm Cortisol

Specimen Collection & Preparation

Patient Preparation

Patient should discontinue taking Biotin, Vitamin B7, or Vitamin H 48 hours before getting blood drawn.

Specimen Requirements

1.0 mL Serum in a SST Gold Top Tube

Alternate Specimen

1.0 mL Serum from a Red Top Tube in a Plastic Vial

TransportAndStorage

48 hours Refrigerated

24 hours unspun

Collection Instructions

Depression Method

1. Request a baseline Cortisol to be drawn before dosage is given.

2. A dose of 1 mg of Dexamethasone is to be given to the patient at 11:00 P.M.

3. Request a 4:00 P.M. and 11:00 P.M. Cortisol to be drawn the next day. Minor variations from these time (+) or (-) one hour, will not affect the performance of the test.

Minimum Volume

Neonatal Volumne

Clinical Interpretation

Reference Range:

Refer to Interpretive Results

Test Comments:

Patients taking vitamin supplements containing high doses of biotin (>5 mg/day) may have falsely increased test results generated.

Methodology:

Chemiluminescence (CL)

Documentation

Two methods are acceptable for Dexamethasone Suppression Testing.
The first one is used primarily as a screening test for Cushing’s Syndrome (Test Code DSTC1)
The second is used on psychiatric patients to diagnose depression.(Test Code DST)

Dexamethasone Suppression Test

Overview

EPIC Code:

Soft Test Code: