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HelpTest Code ACTH Stimulation ACTH Stimulation Test
Aliases
ACTH (Cortrosyn) Stimulation Test (Care Set)
Useful For
Assessment of adrenal function
Patient Preparation
Administer Cortrosyn 250 mcg intravenous at 0 minutes
Special Collection Instructions
Collect prior to and at 30 and 60 minutes after injection
Collection Method
Venous collection
Minimum Volume
- Adult:1 mL
- Pediatric: 0.8 mL
Container
Lt Green / Plasma Separator / Lithium Heparin
Preferred Specimen
Light Green Top (lithium heparin) plasma
Acceptable Specimens
Serum:
- Gold Top SST
- Red Top
Plasma:
- Light Geen Top (lithium heparin)
- Purple or Pink Top (K2/K3 EDTA)
- Dark Green Top (sodium heparin)
Reference or Target Ranges
| Adults prior to injection | |
|---|---|
| Morning hours (6 – 10AM) | 6.0 – 18.4 ug/dL |
| Afternoon hours (4 – 8PM) | 2.7 – 10.5 ug/dL |
Reportable Units
ug/dL
Critical Value
Not defined for this assay
Reasons for Rejection
| Hemolysis Threshold | 500 mg/dL |
| Icterus Threshold | 25 mg/dL |
| Lipemia Threshold | 1500 mL |
| Other | QNS, contaminated, improperly labeled, improper specimen type |
Specimen Stability
| Ambient | 24 hours |
| Refrigerated (4°C to 8°C) | 4 days |
| Frozen(-40°C to 0°C) | 12 months |
Performance Information
| Days and Time Performed | 24/7 |
| Expected Turn Around Time | Stat: 1 hour Routine: 4 hours |
| Stat Availability | Yes |
| Performing Bench | UH Chemistry |
| Methodology/Method Description | Roche Cobas – Two step competition principle |
Additional Information/Important Notes
Interpretive Data
Maximal plasma cortisol: 20 mcg/dL.
Some criteria require increments of >7 mcg/dL at 30 or 60 minutes. Lack of response is seen in primary or secondary adrenal failure. Please refer to current literature for further information.
Additonal Information
This Care Set generates orders for a baseline (Cort), 30 minutes post injection (Cortisol 30 min), and 60 minutes post injection (Cortisol 60 min).
CPT Codes
82533 x3