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ACTH
minimum sample volume required ~ 4ml
Test Code: ACT
Tube type: EDTA
Special instructions
Needs to be in the laboratory ASAP (within 30 mins). Also send a SST (yellow top) sample for cortisol
Sent away
to Bristol Royal Infirmary
Reference range
5.0 - 50.0
Units
ng/L
Linked to
Cortisol
Turnaround Time
4
days
Department: Biochemistry
Clinical Application
Useful in diagnosis of Addison's disease. A sample for measurement of ACTH should be sent with the basal cortisol of a short synacthen test when this is performed in hospital, prior to commencing steroid cover. ACTH measurement will be undertaken if the short synacthen test is abnormal. Also useful in differentiation of cause of Cushing's syndrome (pituitary, adrenal or ectopic cause), but NOT in making the diagnosis of the syndrome itself (levels can be very low to very high depending on cause).
Results >100 ng/L make the diagnosis of ACTH excess likely.
