Also Known As:
Serum digoxin level test, Lanoxin test, Serum digoxin concentration
Purpose of the Digoxin Level Test
A digoxin blood test is used to determine whether or not the digoxin is still therapeutically effective or if it has become toxic.
What Does the Digoxin Blood Test measure?
This lab test measures the drug digoxin – a prescribed medication for relieving heart failure symptoms. Digoxin helps control blood circulation and manage arrhythmias and heart rate by increasing heart pump efficiency. However, it has to be regulated; otherwise, it can be toxic.
Who Should Take a Digoxin Lab Test?
People who have started digoxin therapy for heart failure should take the digoxin test for monitoring. Typically, the test is performed seven to 10 days after the initial administration of the drug and whenever there are changes in the dosage.
Outside the routine monitoring, your healthcare provider may also request a digoxin blood test when symptoms of its low or high dosage can be observed.
Low digoxin entails ineffective management of heart failure symptoms characterized by fatigue, swelling of the hands and feet, and difficulty breathing.
On the other hand, high digoxin levels cause blood toxicity and trigger the following symptoms:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Blurry vision
- Shortness of breath
- Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
Digoxin Testing Preparation
The test does not require special preparation, such as fasting. You should, however, only have your blood drawn six to eight hours after you received your last digoxin dose. Provide this information to the phlebotomist to ensure results accuracy.
Blood Test for Digoxin Levels Results
Normal test values for a digoxin level test fall between 0.5 to 0.9 ng/mL. If your test result shows values above the upper limit, it may suggest digoxin overdose or toxicity. If it’s below the normal range, it could mean that your dosage is inadequate to alleviate heart failure symptoms.
Where Can I Get a Digoxin Test Done Near Me?
Book the digoxin level test online by following these steps:
Step 1: Visit our website’s drugs and alcohol tests section. Then, order the digoxin blood test and download the lab test order, which doubles as a doctor’s order for your lab work.
Step 2: Find a lab using our lab locator.
Step 3: Get your blood drawn at the lab you picked.
Step 4: Expect the lab test results within 2-10 business days in your Personalabs account.
For an exact turnaround time for results, please contact us at 1-888-438-5227. We will contact the lab of your choice (Quest Diagnostics or LabCorp) as turnaround times vary depending on testing location or lab testing provider.
