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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.

Methodology

Direct Chemiluminescent Competitive Immunoassay

Performing Laboratory

Rutland Regional Medical Center Laboratory

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Serum

Container/Tube: SST Gold Top (Preferred) or Red Top (Acceptable)

Specimen Volume: Full tube

Specimen Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL serum 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

Room temperature up to 8 hours

Refrigerated 48 hours

Only 1 freeze/thaw cycle allowed

Reference Values

Baseline:

A.M. (7-9am) 4.30 – 22.40 μg/dL

P.M. (3-5pm) 3.09 – 16.66 μg/dL

30 minute: no established range

60 minute: no established range

Reportable range: 0.20 – 75 μg/dL

 

Day(s) Performed

Daily

Analytical Time:

1 day

Test Classification and CPT Coding

82533