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HelpTest Code DEXAM Dexamethasone, Serum
Additional Codes
| Mayo | DEXA |
| Epic ID | LAB4537 |
Specimen Type
SerumOrdering Guidance
For synthetic glucocorticoid analyte screen, order SGSS / Synthetic Glucocorticoid Screen, Serum.
Specimen Required
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Red top
Acceptable: Serum gel
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL Serum
Collection Instructions:
1. Draw blood between 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. the morning following an evening dose.
2. Within 2 hours of collection, centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial and freeze immediately. Do not send in original tube.
3. Send frozen.
Specimen Minimum Volume
Serum: 0.25 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum | Frozen (preferred) | 28 days |
| Refrigerated | 14 days | |
| Ambient | 72 hours |
Transport frozen.
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | OK |
| Gross lipemia | OK |
| Gross icterus | OK |
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Method Name
Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Useful For
Measuring dexamethasone concentrations in serum
Ensuring that dexamethasone concentrations are adequate when performing dexamethasone suppression testing
Confirming the cause of secondary adrenal insufficiency
This test is not useful as the sole basis for diagnosis or treatment decisions.
Day(s) Performed
Tuesday, Thursday
Report Available
2 to 10 daysReference Values
Baseline: <30 ng/dL
8:00 a.m. following 1 mg Dexamethasone, previous evening: >100 ng/dL
8:00 a.m. following 8 mg Dexamethasone, (4 x 2 mg doses) previous day: >800 ng/dL
CPT Code Information
80299