Beckman Coulter Access Digoxin Reagent, 100 Determinations, 2 x 50 Tests

Specifications

Brand: Access®

Manufacturer: Beckman Coulter

Country of Origin: United States

Application: Reagent

Number of Tests: 100 Tests

Test Name: Digoxin

Test Type: Therapeutic Drug Monitoring

Volume: 2 X 50 mL

Intended Use

The Access Digoxin assay is a paramagnetic particle, chemiluminescent immunoassay for the quantitative determination of digoxin levels in human serum using the Access Immunoassay Systems.

Summary and Explanation

Digoxin is a potent, cardiac glycoside isolated from the leaves of Digitalis lanta. This glycoside is a widely prescribed drug used in the treatment of congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, supraventricular tachycardia, and other cardiac disorders. Treatment with digoxin results in more effective cardiac contractility, decrease in conduction velocity, and a slowing of the heart rate.

The therapeutic range for digoxin is narrow. Desired effects become exaggerated with administration of an excess of digoxin leading to conditions difficult to distinguish from the original cardiac symptoms. Coupled with the narrow therapeutic to toxic range is a considerable variability in patient response to the same dose. In different patients identical doses of digoxin result in different serum levels mainly due to individual variation in myocardial sensitivity, absorption, diet, and excretion of the drug. The variability in bioavailability of different drug formulations and interactions with other drugs, particularly drugs affecting the electrolyte balance such as diuretics, also affect individual patient responses. Measuring a serum sample drawn 6-8 hours after the administration of digoxin allows for equilibration of serum and tissue digoxin levels. Monitoring digoxin levels can assist the physician in adjusting digoxin dosage.