Why didn't lab do this?

[Guest guest]

Last week I collected urine for 24 hours and took it back to the lab as

instructed. I also had blood drawn last week as well. I have an appointment

with the endocrinologist on Monday to hopefully get the results of the urine and

blood tests.

Here's my question, if one of the tests I was given is a Decadron Suppression

Test, why didn't they follow the standard procedure like what I've read about on

various medical websites? Here is what I've read from almost every medical

website that explains this test:

" During this test, you will receive dexamethasone, and the health care provider

will measure your cortisol levels.

There are two different types of dexamethasone suppression tests: the low-dose

test and the high-dose test. Each type can either be done in an overnight or

standard (3-day) way.

Low-dose overnight method -- you will get 1 mg of dexamethasone at 11 p.m., and

a health care provider will draw your blood at 8 a.m. for a cortisol

measurement.

Standard low-dose method -- urine is collected over 3 days (stored in 24-hour

collection containers) to measure cortisol. On day 2, you will get a low dose

(0.5 mg) of dexamethasone by mouth every 6 hours for 48 hours.

High-dose overnight method -- the health care provider will measure your

cortisol on the morning of the test. Then you will receive 8 mg of dexamethasone

at 11 p.m. Your blood is drawn at 8 a.m. for a cortisol measurement.

Standard high-dose test -- urine is collected over 3 days (stored in 24-hour

collection containers) for measurement of cortisol. On day 2, you will receive a

high dose (2 mg) of dexamethasone by mouth every 6 hours for 48 hours. "

I was not given any dexamethasone for my testing. Is this common to not take

dexamethasone for this test, or is it likely the lab overlooked this? I sure

hope I don't have to redo this test and have to wait several more days for the

results. Yesterday morning I was feeling pretty good but that changed in the

afternoon and I haven't felt very good since then. I'm so tired of waiting for

answers, plus I can't get into see a nephrologist until the end of September...