ACTH (Blood)

Does this take a look at produce other names?

Adrenocorticotropic hormone blood take a look at, corticotropin

What is that this take a look at?

It is a blood take a look at that measures the quantity of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) the pituitary gland produces. This gland is a tiny organ that sits just under your mind. It secretes adrenocorticotropic hormone, which controls the manufacturing of one other hormone known as cortisol.

Cortisol is made by your adrenal glands, that are positioned on the high of your kidneys. Cortisol helps break down protein, sugar, and fats in your meals. It additionally helps to control your blood stress and your physique’s skill to combat an infection. Cortisol can also be one of many hormones that helps you cope with stress. Cortisol ranges ought to peak within the morning and be at their lowest within the night.

Why do I want this take a look at?

You may need this take a look at in case your healthcare supplier suspects you will have hormone issues. This take a look at is used together with different checks to diagnose situations, together with:

Cushing illness, through which the pituitary gland makes an excessive amount of ACTH

Cushing syndrome, through which the adrenal glands make an excessive amount of cortisol

Addison illness, through which the adrenal glands do not make sufficient cortisol

Hypopituitarism, a dysfunction of the pituitary gland that retains it from producing sufficient important hormones

What different checks would possibly I’ve together with this take a look at?

Your healthcare supplier additionally would possibly order checks to measure your cortisol ranges, together with:

Adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation take a look at to find out why your adrenal glands aren’t working appropriately

Dexamethasone suppression take a look at to search out an underlying cause for Cushing

Adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation with metyrapone take a look at additionally to search out an underlying cause for Cushing

What do my take a look at outcomes imply?

Take a look at outcomes might range relying in your age, gender, well being historical past, and different issues. Your take a look at outcomes could also be totally different relying on the lab used. They could not imply you will have an issue. Ask your healthcare supplier what your take a look at outcomes imply for you.

ACTH is measured in picograms per milliliter (pg/mL). Take a look at outcomes are influenced by the point of day the take a look at was accomplished. Regular outcomes are:

In case your ACTH degree is low or excessive you might have Cushing syndrome. In case your ACTH degree is excessive you might have Addison illness. A low ACTH degree may point out hypopituitarism.

How is that this take a look at accomplished?

The take a look at requires a blood pattern, which is drawn by a needle from a vein in your arm.

You’ll have blood drawn within the morning and within the afternoon or night. That is to test for variations in your ranges of ACTH hormone.

Does this take a look at pose any dangers?

Taking a blood pattern with a needle carries dangers that embrace bleeding, an infection, bruising, or feeling dizzy. When the needle pricks your arm, you might really feel a slight stinging sensation or ache. Afterward, the location could also be barely sore.

What would possibly have an effect on my take a look at outcomes?

Your take a look at outcomes is likely to be affected when you:

Are underneath a substantial amount of stress

Not too long ago had a trauma

Are menstruating or pregnant

Are taking sure medicines, together with steroids, hormones, or insulin

Didn’t sleep properly the night time earlier than the take a look at

How do I prepare for this take a look at?

Do not eat after midnight on the day of your take a look at. Get a superb night time’s sleep. Comply with another instructions out of your healthcare supplier. Make sure your healthcare supplier is aware of about all medicines, herbs, nutritional vitamins, and dietary supplements you’re taking. This contains medicines that do not want a prescription and any unlawful medication you might use.