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Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) Test
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is a hormone generated in the anterior pituitary gland (the
pituitary gland in the front of the brain)
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ACTH is also referred to as:
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adrenocorticotropic hormone
serum adrenocorticotropic hormone
highly-sensitive ACTH
corticotropin
cosyntropin (drug form of ACTH)

An ACTH test detects disorders linked with too much or too little cortisol in the body by measuring the
levels of both ACTH and cortisol in the blood
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These can have an
impact on the accuracy of the results
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When you first wake up, your ACTH levels are
at their maximum
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A blood sample is used to assess ACTH levels
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The following steps are involved in providing a blood sample:
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A healthcare provider first cleans the site with an antiseptic to kill germs
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This causes the vein to swell with blood
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When the tube is full, the needle is removed
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Why the ACTH Test is Performed

If you experience symptoms of too much or too little cortisol, your doctor may prescribe an ACTH
blood test
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You may have the following symptoms if you have a high cortisol level:
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obesity
a rounded face
fragile, thin skin
purple lines on the abdomen
weak muscles
acne
an increased amount of body hair
high blood pressure
low potassium levels
high bicarbonate level
high glucose levels
diabetes

The symptoms of low cortisol include:
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weak muscles
fatigue
weight loss
increased skin pigmentation in areas not exposed to the sun
a loss of appetite
low blood pressure
low blood glucose levels
low sodium levels
high potassium levels
high calcium levels

What ACTH Test Results Can Mean
ACTH levels in the normal range are 9 to 52 picograms per milliliter
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Your doctor will go through the findings of your tests with
you
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Risks of an ACTH Test
Blood tests are usually tolerated satisfactorily
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However, the hazards connected with blood tests
such as the ACTH hormone test are uncommon
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Before making a diagnosis, your doctor may need to
request more laboratory tests and do a physical examination
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Cabergoline, for example, can be used
to normalize cortisol levels
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