ACTH (ADRENOCORTICOTROPIC HORMONE) STIMULATION

Index:

Order Name ACTH STIM
Test Number: 2002151
Revision Date 09/29/2025

Test Name	Methodology	LOINC Code
Cortisol Baseline	Chemiluminescent Micropartical Immunoassay	43215-3
Cortisol 30 Minute Specimen	Chemiluminescent Micropartical Immunoassay	12557-5
Cortisol 60 Minute Specimen	Chemiluminescent Micropartical Immunoassay	12558-3

SPECIMEN REQUIREMENTS
Specimen	Specimen Volume (min)	Specimen Type	Specimen Container	Transport Environment
Preferred	1 mL (0.5)	Serum	Clot Activator SST	Refrigerated or Frozen
Alternate 1	1 mL (0.5)	Plasma	Lithium Heparin PST (Light Green Top)	Refrigerated or Frozen
Instructions	Collection: This test may be administered by a physician with a medical license or by a healthcare provider under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider who is authorized to administer medications. The ACTH stimulation test requires careful monitoring of the patient's condition for the duration of the 60 minutes. Pathologists with Pathology Laboratory Associates will discontinue provision of this service to outpatients at Ascension St. John Medical Center effective October 1, 2025. If you have any questions, please reach out to PLA Client Services at (918) 417-6400. Stability: Ambient 1 day. Refrigerated 14 days. Frozen 30 days.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Testing Schedule

Mon - Fri

Expected TAT

1-3 days

Clinical Use

This test determines how the adrenal glands respond to a certain hormone. The hormone is called adrenocorticotrophic hormone, also known as ACTH. ACTH is made in the pituitary gland and travels through the bloodstream to the adrenal glands. ACTH stimulates the adrenal gland to release Cortisol. Cortisol is a key factor in many functions in the body's metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, sodium, potassium, and protein.

Notes

ACTH Stimulation Test
Baseline Cortisol - Have a Cortisol drawn prior to injection (5 ml gold top tube). Note the time drawn on the tube. Administer 250 micrograms (1 vial) of synthetic ACTH Cortrosyn (Cosyntropin) intravenously. Use supplied diluents to dissolve ACTH powder. Inject over 1-2 minutes. 30 minute Cortisol - draw one clot tube for a Cortisol level 30 minutes after the injection. Note the time drawn on the tube. 60 minute Cortisol - draw a second clot tube for a Cortisol level 60 minutes after the injection. Note the time drawn on the tube.

CPT Code(s)

80400, 82533, 80503

Lab Section

Chemistry