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Dexamethasone Suppression Test
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General
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Clinical Use:
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Serum cortisol measured in morning blood collection (0800-0900) after 1mg oral dexamethasone given around 2300 the night before.
Test is used in the investigation of Cushing's Syndrome. |
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Availability:
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Samples are tested routinely during the testing laboratory's hours of operation. |
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Aliases/Synonyms:
| DST, Overnight 1mg Dexamethasone Suppression Test, Post Dexamethasone Serum Cortisol, |
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Code:
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DEX |
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Handling Instructions (to laboratory):
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Send sample chilled. |
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Hyperlink:
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Reference Interval:
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The serum cortisol collected between 0800 and 0900 following an overnight dexamethasone suppression
test (oral dexamethasone phosphate 1mg at 2300-0000) should be less than 50 nmol/L.
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Collection Requirements
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Container:
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Serum Sep. Tube-SST (GOLD), |
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Sample Type:
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See container |
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Minimum Collection Volume:
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1mL |
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Collection Instructions:
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Record time and dosage of
dexamethasone taken by
patient on request form.
If salivary cortisol, renin,
aldosterone, testosterone,
DHEAS, Androstenedione, 17-
OH Progesterone or ACTH are
also requested and
dexamethasone dose already
taken, collect sample for
dexamethasone suppression
test first and schedule the
remaining tests above in 1 week. |
Processing Requirements
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Alternate Containers:
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Lithium Heparin-PST (GREEN) |
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Processing Instructions:
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For high dose / low dose dexamethasone suppression test spanning several days, register and process each sample as per single collection. |
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Minimum Assay Volume:
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150uL |
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Stability:
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2 weeks chilled; 3 months frozen |
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Transport Instructions (to testing laboratory):
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Send sample chilled. |
Testing Locations
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Performed at:
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Section
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Department
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Site
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Contact Phone
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| Core |
Biochemistry |
Fiona Stanley Hospital |
6152 8140 |
| Core |
Biochemistry |
QEII Medical Centre |
6383 4093 |
| Core |
Biochemistry |
Royal Perth Hospital |
9224 1176 |
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Last Updated : 23-08-2024 15:51 |