Dexamethasone Suppression Test

Test Information

Test Name

Dexamethasone Suppression Test

Department

Biochemistry

Preferred Specimen

SST

Testing Location

All

Turn Around Time

1 Day

Collection Information

Preparation

Note time of dose, ideally this is a two day test

  • Day 1: 0800 Baseline Cortisol; 2300 Patient takes 1mg Dexamethasone tablet
  • Day 2: 0800 Cortisol

More commonly the patient is instructed to take 1mg Dexamethasone at 2300 hrs and present for a 0800 cortisol level blood test the following morning

Processing Information

Registration Code

DEX

Notes

  • Enter dose details at Registration
  • If both Cortisol and Dexamethasone requested, register DEX only
  • If a sendaway Dexamethasone level is required, Biochemistry will add on DEXA test code

Methodology

Sample Storage

Fridge

Interpretations

View Interpretations

Contact Information

john.woodford@pathlab.co.nz