Description
ACTH, Plasma - 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, Nodular Hyperplasia.
Specimen collection can be between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. If drawn at any other time, the reference ranges do not apply.
The ACTH test is a medical test usually ordered and interpreted by endocrinologists to assess the functioning of the adrenal glands` stress response by calculating the adrenal response to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH; corticotropin).ACTH is a hormone produced in the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal glands to release cortisol, aldosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S).
During the test, a small amount of synthetic ACTH is injected and the amount of cortisol that the adrenals produce in response is measured.
This test is used to diagnose primary and secondary adrenal insufficiency, Addison`s disease, and related conditions.
