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Test Code DMS Dexamethasone (Cortisol Suppression)

Important Note

Currently not availible through Atlas.  Order Cortisol AM with comment dexamethasone suppression AM.

EHR Test Codes

  Test Code Test Name
Atlas    
Cerner DMS Dexamethasone (Cortisol Suppression)

Specimen Requirements

Preparation of Patient: 

One mg dexamethasone (obtained from pharmacy) is given orally at 11 p.m. the night before the specimen will be drawn. Draw specimen at 8am for dexamethasone (cortisol suppression) the day after the dexamethasone was given.

 

Container Type: 

Green Top 5mL Lithium Heparin Separator Tube

Or

 

Gold Top 6mL SST Gel & Clot Activator Tube

Specimen Type:

Plasma or Serum

 

Specimen Volume: 

2.5 mL Plasma or Serum minimum .5 mL

 

Specimen Handling/Transport:

Separate plasma or serum from cells within 2 hours of collection.

Transport ambient room temperature.

 

Specimen Stability/Storage:

5 days refrigerated 2-8°C

 

Performing Laboratory

Munson Medical Center Laboratories

Chemistry Department

Priority, Frequency, & Turnaround

Priority:

Non-Emergent

 

Frequency:

24 hours 7 days a week

 

Turnaround:

0 - 1 days

Methodology

Chemiluminescence Immunoassay

Reporting

Reference Range:

None

 

Critical Decision:

None

Clinical Significance

The dexamethasone suppression test (DST) aides in diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome. The test functions on the principle that dexamethasone inhibits ACTH release in normal individuals leading to lowered cortisol.  Whereas in Cushing's syndrome this feedback mechanism is broken.

CPT Code(s)

82533

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