Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: Fasting is not required. Stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours before your sample is collected.
- Turnaround: 1-3 days. May take longer due to weather, holidays, or lab delays.
What This Test Measures
This test measures the level of digoxin, a cardiac glycoside medication, in your blood. Digoxin is prescribed to help manage heart failure and irregular heartbeats, and this test gives you a quantitative concentration of the drug at the time your sample was collected.
Because digoxin has a narrow range between an effective dose and a toxic one, this measurement helps a healthcare provider confirm that your level is neither too low to be effective nor high enough to cause side effects. The result reflects only the amount of digoxin present, not any other medication, hormone, or biomarker.
Benefits
- Shows your current digoxin concentration in the blood.
- Helps confirm you are within a safe treatment range.
- Supports safer, more informed digoxin dosing decisions.
- Helps identify levels that may be too low or too high.
- Gives you a clear number to discuss with your provider.
Who Is This Test For?
- People currently prescribed digoxin (Lanoxin) for heart failure.
- People taking digoxin for irregular heartbeat management.
- Individuals whose provider wants to monitor ongoing digoxin therapy.
- People experiencing possible signs of low digoxin levels.
- People experiencing possible signs of digoxin overdose.
- Anyone advised by a provider to check their digoxin level.
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What is the purpose of this test?
This test measures the amount of digoxin, a cardiac glycoside medication used to treat heart failure and irregular heartbeats, in your blood as a directly measured, quantitative concentration. Because digoxin has a narrow range between an effective dose and a toxic one, this measurement helps your healthcare provider evaluate whether your current dose is producing a safe and effective blood level. The result reflects only the digoxin level in your sample, not any other medication, hormone, or biomarker, and it does not diagnose a heart condition on its own.
2. Who would benefit from this test?
People currently taking digoxin for heart failure or irregular heartbeat management may benefit from this test, particularly if a healthcare provider wants to confirm that an existing dose is producing a safe level or wants to monitor the dose over time. It may also be considered if you notice symptoms that could relate to a digoxin level that is too low or too high. This test does not replace a full medical evaluation.
3. Do I need to fast before this test?
Fasting is not required for this test. You should stop consuming biotin at least 72 hours before your sample is collected.
4. How quickly will I get results?
Results are typically available in 1 to 3 days. This may take longer due to weather, holidays, or lab delays.
5. How do I interpret the results?
The meaning of your digoxin level depends on your dose, symptoms, other medications, and overall clinical picture. Your provider will consider these factors, along with the timing of your last dose, when reviewing your result. A single result should not be viewed as automatically confirming or ruling out a problem with your treatment.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
6. What should I do if my results are abnormal?
If your digoxin level is outside the expected range, review the result with your healthcare provider rather than making changes on your own. Do not stop, start, or change your medication dose without guidance. Your provider may consider additional evaluation or testing based on your symptoms and overall health.
7. How often should I get tested?
How often you should check your digoxin level depends on your individual treatment plan. Follow your healthcare provider's guidance on testing frequency as directed by your healthcare provider.
Pre-test preparation
Fasting is not required for this test. Stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection of your sample.
Do not stop prescribed medication unless instructed by your healthcare provider.
