ACTH Stimulation Test
Sample Required:
Sample Type: Serum (Red Top)
Preferred Volume: 2 ml whole blood or 1 ml serum (x2 - for each time point)
Test Code: EACTH
Protocol:
-Fasting is not necessary
-Collect a baseline serum sample. Label “0”
-Give 5 ug/kg Synacthen IV (maximum dose 250 ug)
-Collect serum 1 hour post Synacthen. Label “1”
Sample Handling:
-There is potentially a decrease in serum cortisol concentration in non-separated samples kept at room temperature.
-Ideally, the serum is harvested from the clot and the separated serum sample refrigerated and sent with cold packs.
-To allow interpretation of results, it is necessary to include in the history the purpose for running the ACTH stimulation test.
Indications:
- Diagnosis of hypoadrenocorticism
- Diagnosis of iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism
- Diagnosis of hyperadrenocorticism
- Monitoring patients on trilostane (Vetoryl)