title: Serum digoxin levels--a cost/benefit analysis.
abstract: A retrospective analysis of 132 determinations of serum digoxin levels and the relevant sampling information has brought the value of this test into question. Two-thirds of the samples were of no clinical use; half of these were not accompanied by any sampling information and for the other half sampling times were incorrect. Only one-third were accompanied by the necessary information and had been taken at the correct times and were consequently of use. These findings emphasize the need to train medical practitioners in basic pharmacokinetic principles which, in turn, would result in samples for such tests being taken at the times essential for meaningful interpretation of results.
mesh_terms: D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004077:Digoxin / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000191:economics
chemical_list: D004077:Digoxin