Adrenocorticotropic Hormone, Plasma

Overview

  • EPIC Code:
  • LAB511
  • Soft Test Code:
  • ACT
  • Send Out Test Code:
  • 211
Alternate Names
  • ACTH
  • ACTH, Plasma
Clinical Significance

Determination of ACTH is useful in differentiating between primary and secondary adrenocortical hypo- and hyperfunctional disorders: Addison's disease, Cushing's syndrome, adrenal carcinoma, ectopic ACTH syndrome, and adrenal nodular hyperplasia.


Specimen Collection & Preparation

Patient Preparation

Glucocorticoids should not be taken prior to an ACTH stimulation test.  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-

1.5 mL Plasma from a Lavender Top Tube - EDTA in a Plastic Vial
Minimum Volume:
0.5 mL Plasma*

* This volume does not allow for repeat testing

Collection Instructions:

Draw specimens between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. If drawn during any other time, the reference ranges do not apply. 


Processing Instructions:

Centrifuge and separate from cells immediately after collection

Freeze immediately after separation from cells 


Rejection Criteria:

Gross Hemolysis

Received thawed

Received Ambeint

Received Refrigerated


Transport and Storage:
  • Frozen (-20° C or colder): 28 Days

Clinical Interpretation

Reference Range:

< 3 years: Reference Range Not Established
3 years to 17 years: 9 - 57 pg/mL
 > or = 18 years: 6 - 50 pg/mL


Test Comments:

Limitations: With patients receiving more than 5mg/day of biotin, a sample should be taken no sooner than eight hours after previous dose. Patients treated with monoclonal mouse antibodies may have inaccurate results. High titer of antibodies such as streptavidin and ruthenium may cause interference. Due to its correlation with cortisol levels, ACTH concentration is affected by stress. Any single measure may be within the reference range for patients with increased production (Cushing's disease) or minimal production of ACTH.


Methodology:
  • Immunoassay (IA)
Clinical Significance

Determination of ACTH is useful in differentiating between primary and secondary adrenocortical hypo- and hyperfunctional disorders: Addison's disease, Cushing's syndrome, adrenal carcinoma, ectopic ACTH syndrome, and adrenal nodular hyperplasia.


Production Schedule

Sites Performed
  • Quest - Chantilly
Days Performed
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Departments
  • Sendouts - Clinical
Turn Around Time

2 to 5 days


Coding & Compliance

CDM

01425170


CPT Coding

82024