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Test Code ACTH Adrenocorticotropic Hormone, Plasma

Additional Codes

Sunquest: ACTHM

EPIC: LAB511

Reporting Name

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone, P

Useful For

Determining the cause of hypercortisolism and hypocortisolism

Method Name

Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Specimen Type

Plasma EDTA


Necessary 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

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis Reject
Gross lipemia OK

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

CPT Code Information

82024

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
ACTH Adrenocorticotropic Hormone, P 2141-0

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
ACTH Adrenocorticotropic Hormone, P 2141-0

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

Specimen Retention Time

2 weeks

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.

Report Available

1 to 3 days

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following forms with the specimen:

-General Request (T239)

-Oncology Test Request (T729)