Proven Diagnostics Test Catalog
ADRENOCORTICOTROPIC HORMONE |
|
Test code: |
ACTH |
Specimen type: |
Plasma |
Tube type / collection container: |
|
Specimen collection notes: |
Separate plasma from cells and submit 1 mL aliquot frozen. Plasma levels of ACTH exhibit significant diurnal variation. Because of this, collection is recommended at approximately 9 a.m. If collecting specimen in microtainers, collect five FULL lavender microtainers. |
What to submit: |
1 mL aliquot frozen plasma; minimum 0.5 mL. Please submit a separate frozen aliquot for this test. It may not be combined with any other test requiring a frozen aliquot. |
Patient preparation: |
None. |
Specimen Processing Instructions: |
Centrifuge, remove plasma, and freeze immediately. Submit 1 mL aliquot of plasma. |
Transport temperature: |
Frozen. |
Rejection criteria: |
Frozen EDTA plasma is the ONLY suitable specimen. Any other specimen will be rejected. Specimens will also be rejected for hemolysis, icteremia, and lipemia. |
Reference range: |
0 - 46 pg/mL for a.m. draws. |
Alert limits: |
None. |
Additional information: |
None. |
CPT code(s): |
82024 |
| Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding. Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed. The CPT codes provided are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. | |
| When performed: |
Monday & Thursday |
Test includes: |
Adrenocorticotropic hormone value. |
Methodology: |
Chemiluminescence Immunoassay
|
Synonyms: |
ACTH
|
Clinical Significance: |
ACTH determinations are valuable in the differential diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency and hypersecretion. In primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease), elevated levels of ACTH aret typical, while low levels are the rule when adrenal insufficiency is secondary to pituitary dysfunction. ACTH may also be used to identify the cause of cortisol hypersecretion in Cushing's syndrome. |
