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Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) Stimulation Test*

Important Note

*This test is orderable in Cerner as ACTH Stimulation

The ACTH stimulation test measures how well the adrenal glands respond to adrenocorticotropic hor-mone (ACTH). ACTH is a hormone produced in the pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal glands to release a hormone called cortisol. The synthetic form of ACTH is called cosyntropin.

A baseline Cortisol is drawn on the patient.

The patient receives a shot (injection) of cosyntropin.

After 30 minutes and 60 minutes, additional Cortisol levels are drawn.

Instrumentation

Roche Cobas

Performing Laboratory

Rutland Regional Medical Center Laboratory

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Plasma

Container/Tube: Light-green top (lithium heparin gel)

Specimen Fill Volume: Full tube

Collection Instructions: If pre-processing before sending to the Lab: Allow to clot 30 minutes, (but not longer than 2 hours), centrifuge, refrigerate and return to the Lab.

Specimen Transport Temperature

Refrigerated

 

Reference Values

Baseline:  Morning hrs. 6-10am 4.82 – 19.5 μg/dL

                 Evening hrs  4-8pm  2.47 – 11.9 μg/dL

30 minute: Morning hrs. 6 - 10 am 4.82-19.5 ug/dl;

                  Evening hrs 4-8pm 2.47 - 11.9 ug/dl

60 minute: Morning hrs. 6 - 10 am 4.82-19.5 ug/dl;
                  Evening hrs 4-8pm 2.47 - 11.9 ug/dl

 

Day(s) Performed

Daily

Analytical Time:

1 day

Test Classification and CPT Coding

82533