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HelpTest Code ACTH Adrenocorticotropic Hormone, Plasma
Reporting Name
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone, PUseful For
Determining the cause of hypercortisolism and hypocortisolism
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
Plasma EDTANecessary Information
Separate specimens should be submitted when multiple tests are ordered.
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation: For 12 hours before specimen collection, patient should not take multivitamins or dietary supplements (eg, hair, skin, and nail supplements) containing biotin (vitamin B7).
Supplies: Sarstedt 5 mL Aliquot Tube (T914)
Collection Container/Tube: Ice-cooled, lavender top (EDTA)
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Morning (7 a.m.-10 a.m.) specimen is desirable.
2. Collect with a pre-chilled lavender top (EDTA) tube and transport to the laboratory on ice.
3. Within 2 hours of collection centrifuge at refrigerated temperature and immediately separate plasma from cells.
4. Immediately freeze plasma.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.75 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plasma EDTA | Frozen (preferred) | 28 days | |
| Refrigerated | 3 hours | ||
| Ambient | 2 hours |
Reference Values
7.2-63 pg/mL (a.m. draws)
Reference ranges are based on samples drawn between 7 a.m.-10 a.m.
No established reference values for p.m. draws
Pediatric reference values are the same as adults, as confirmed by peer reviewed literature.
Petersen KE. ACTH in normal children and children with pituitary and adrenal diseases. I. Measurement in plasma by radioimmunoassay-basal values. Acta Paediatr Scand. 1981;70(3):341-345
For International System of Units (SI) conversion for Reference Values, see www.mayocliniclabs.com/order-tests/si-unit-conversion.html.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
82024
Clinical Information
Corticotropin (previously adrenocorticotropic hormone: ACTH) is synthesized by the pituitary in response to corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which is released by the hypothalamus. ACTH stimulates adrenal cortisol production. Plasma ACTH and cortisol levels exhibit peaks (6-8 a.m.) and nadir (11 p.m.).
Disorders of cortisol production that might affect circulating ACTH concentrations include:
Hypercortisolism
-Cushing syndrome:
- Cushing disease (pituitary ACTH-producing tumor)
- Ectopic ACTH-producing tumor
- Ectopic CRH
- Adrenal cortisol-producing tumor
- Adrenal hyperplasia (non-ACTH dependent, autonomous cortisol-producing adrenal nodules)
Hypocortisolism
-Addison disease-primary adrenal insufficiency
-Secondary adrenal insufficiency
-Pituitary insufficiency
-Hypothalamic insufficiency
-Congenital adrenal hyperplasia-defects in enzymes involved in cortisol synthesis
Report Available
1 to 3 daysReject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | OK |
Method Name
Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following forms with the specimen:
-General Request (T239)
-Oncology Test Request (T729)