ACTH (ADRENOCORTICOTROPIC HORMONE) - (P)

Test Code: ACTH

Test performed at: St. Boniface Hospital
 
Test Indications: This test is used to measure ACTH level, and should not be confused with the ACTH (Cosyntropin) Stimulation test used to measure cortisol response to ACTH administration.
ACTH testing is used in the assessment of disorders of cortisol deficiency or excess. ACTH is produced in the anterior pituitary in response to corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) released by the hypothalamus. ACTH stimulates the formation and secretion of glucocorticoids (especially cortisol) by the adrenal cortex. Plasma ACTH and cortisol levels show a diurnal variation with peaks at 6:00 - 8:00 AM and troughs at 11:00 PM. ACTH results should always be evaluated with simultaneously measured cortisol levels as ACTH concentrations vary considerably depending on physiological or pathological conditions.
Patient Preparation Instructions: Multivitamins (45–125 µg biotin) or biotin-only supplements up to 1 mg per day do not interfere with this test. Samples should not be taken from patients receiving therapy with high biotin doses (i.e. >5 mg/day) until at least 8 hours after the last dose.

Collect in chilled tube, ON ICE. Collect specimen between 0800-1000 h, record exact time.

_SH Endocrinology (General) Primary Care Requisition (R250-10-76)

_SH Endocrinology (Specialist) Requisition (R250-10-77)

0800-1000 h:    up to 10 pmol/L

Specific days