ACTH blood test
Alternative Names
Serum adrenocorticotropic hormone; Adrenocorticotropic hormone; Highly-sensitive ACTH
Definition
The ACTH test measures the level of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in the blood. ACTH is a hormone released from the pituitary gland in the brain.
How the Test is Performed
A blood sample is needed.
How to Prepare for the Test
Your doctor will likely ask you to have the test be done early in the morning. This is important, because cortisol level varies throughout the day.
You may also be told to stop taking medicines that can affect the test results. These medicines include glucocorticoids such as prednisone, hydrocortisone, or dexamethasone.
How the Test will Feel
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or slight bruising. This soon goes away.
Why the Test is Performed
The main function of ACTH is to regulate the steroid hormone cortisol. Cortisol is released by the adrenal gland. It regulates blood pressure and blood sugar.
This test can help find the causes of certain hormone problems.
Normal Results
Normal values for a blood sample taken early in the morning are 9 to 52 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL).
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or may test different specimens. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What Abnormal Results Mean
A higher-than-normal level of ACTH may indicate:
- Adrenal glands not producing enough cortisol (Addison disease)
- Adrenal glands not producing enough hormones (congenital adrenal hyperplasia)
- One or more of the endocrine glands are overactive or have formed a tumor (multiple endocrine neoplasia type I)
- Pituitary is making too much ACTH (Cushing disease), which is usually caused by a non-cancerous tumor of the pituitary gland
- Rare type of tumor (lung, thyroid, or pancreas) making too much ACTH (ectopic Cushing syndrome)
A lower-than-normal level of ACTH may indicate:
- Pituitary gland not producing enough hormones, such as ACTH (hypopituitarism)
- Tumor of the adrenal gland that produces too much cortisol
- Glucocorticoid medicines are suppressing ACTH production
Other conditions under which the test may be performed:
Risks
Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling lightheaded
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
References
Guber HA, Farag AF. Evaluation of endocrine function. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 24.
Stewart PM, Krone NP. The adrenal cortex. In: Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, Kronenberg HM, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Saunders; 2011: chap 15.
Melmed S, Kleinberg D. Pituitary masses and tumors. Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, Kronenberg HM, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Saunders; 2011: chap 9.