Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Stimulation Test

Overview

  • EPIC Code:
  • LAB711
  • Soft Test Code:
  • ACTHS
Alternate Names
  • ACTH Short Stimulation Test
  • ACTH Stimulation Test
  • Addison Disease Testing
  • Cortrosyn Stimulation
  • Cosyntropin
  • Cosyntropin Stimulation
Included Tests

 Baseline Cortisol; 30 minute Cortisol; 60 minute Cortisol


Clinical Significance

Method for testing the adrenal reserve to rule out Addison Disease


Specimen Collection & Preparation

Patient Preparation

The ordering provider will provide instructions to the patient detailing the length of time glucocorticoids should be withheld. Questions about compliance with these instructions should be referred to the ordering provider.


Specimen Requirements:

-OR-

Three - .0 mL Serum in a SST Gold Top Tube(s) - One for each timed draw
Minimum Volume:
0.2 mL Serum for each specimen*

* This volume does not allow for repeat testing

Collection Instructions:

  1. A base line level Cortisol to be drawn.
  2. Within 30 minutes of baseline being drawn, the patient is to be given a 250-uG dose of synthetic ACTH, Cortrosyn, IM.
  3. A second Cortisol to be drawn one-half hour after this dose is given.
  4. A third Cortisol to be drawn one hour after the dose is given

Example:

  1. Base Line Cortisol - 8:00 A.M.
  2. ACTH Dose - 8:05 A.M. 
  3. One-Half Hour Cortisol - 8:35 A.M 
  4. One Hour Cortisol - 9:05 A.M.  

Above is just an Example of time frames this testing can be started any time (not limited to 8:00 am)


Transport and Storage:
  • Ambient (18-24°C): 24 Hours
  • Refrigerated (2-8°C): 4 Days
  • Frozen (-20° C or colder): 12 Months

Clinical Interpretation

Reference Range:

No reference range established


Test Comments:

A normal increase of at least 7 UG/DL of Cortisol is expected for a short ACTH stimulation test.


Methodology:
  • Chemiluminescence (CL)
Clinical Significance

Method for testing the adrenal reserve to rule out Addison Disease


Production Schedule

Sites Performed
  • Parkview Regional Medical Center
Days Performed
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Departments
  • Chemistry
Turn Around Time

Same Day/1 to 2 days


Coding & Compliance

CDM

01483971 x 3


CPT Coding

82533 x 3