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Digoxin Serum Concentration (Mass Concentration)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

This test measures the amount of digoxin, a medication used to treat certain heart conditions, in your blood.

Quick summary

["Digoxin levels help ensure your medication dose is safe and effective for your heart health."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
35244-3
Short code
Digoxin SerPl-msCnc
Synonyms
Digoxin SerPl-msCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Ref low
0
Ref high
17
Critical range
— – 4 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why Is This Test Done?

Your healthcare provider may order this test if you’re taking digoxin to manage heart rhythm issues, heart failure, or other cardiac conditions. It helps monitor whether your dose is keeping your heart healthy without causing dangerous side effects.

What Does the Test Measure?

Digoxin is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called cardiac glycosides. It works by affecting the electrical activity of your heart. This test quantifies the amount of digoxin in your serum (liquid part of blood) to check for proper levels.

How Is the Test Performed?

A blood sample is taken from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is then sent to a lab where it’s analyzed using an immunoassay method to detect and measure digoxin concentration.

What Are Common Reasons for Monitoring?

Regular monitoring is important if you have conditions like atrial fibrillation, heart failure, or if you’re taking digoxin long-term. It helps prevent toxicity (too much medication) or insufficient effectiveness (too little medication).

Reference range

NCBI: NSE 0-17 ng/mLN/A

Specimen: serum

No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Digoxin Level

Frequently asked questions

Why might my digoxin level be checked more frequently?
If you have kidney problems, take other medications that interact with digoxin, or have certain health conditions (like low potassium or magnesium), your provider may check your levels more often to avoid dangerous fluctuations.
How long does it take to get results?
Results are typically available within a few days, depending on your lab’s processing time. Your healthcare provider will discuss the results with you during your follow-up visit.
What if my digoxin level is too high or too low?
If your level is too high, your provider may reduce your dose or temporarily stop the medication. If it’s too low, they may increase your dose or switch to a different medication. Always follow your provider’s instructions carefully.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy