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.
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.
1.5 mL Plasma from a Lavender Top Tube - EDTA in a Plastic Vial
28 days Frozen
Draw specimens between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. If drawn during any other time, the reference ranges do not apply.
Centrifuge immediately after collection to separate plasma from cells.
Transfer plasma to a plastic specimen transport container and mark the specimen type as plasma on the container.
Freeze immediately.
0.5 mL
< 3 years: Reference Range Not Established
3 years to 17 years: 9 - 57 pg/mL
> or = 18 years: 6 - 50 pg/mL
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.
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.
2 to 5 days
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