Pathology Handbook

Alternative Names:

Overnight 1mg Dexamethasone Suppression Test
Low Dose Dexamethasone Suppression Test
Post Dexamethasone Serum Cortisol
DST

Laboratory:

Clinical Biochemistry

Test Code:

DEX

Registration Instructions:

Serum cortisol must be collected between 8 and 9am following 1mg oral dexamethasone taken between 11pm and 12am the night before.

"DEX" is the the only test code to be registered. "COR" (Serum Cortisol) is not required.

Specimen Types:

Serum

Container Types:

SST

Adults Volume or Mass:

6 mL

Minimum/Paediatric Volume or Mass:

2 mL

Collection & Request Instructions:

Collect serum (cortisol) between 8 and 9am following 1mg oral dexamethasone taken between 11pm and 12am the night before.

Record time and dosage of dexamethasone taken by patient on request form.

Transport Instructions:

Send to lab immediately

Processing Instructions:

Centrifuge