Endocrine Diagnostic Tests
- 24 Hour Urine Collection
- Arginine/ GHRH Growth Hormone Stimulation Test
- Arginine Growth Hormone Stimulation Test
- ACTH (cortisol) stimulation Test
- Dexamethasone Suppression / CRH Stimulation Test
- Inferior Petrosal Sinus Sampling
- Insulin Tolerance Test
- Oral Glucose Growth Hormone Suppression Test
- Salivary Cortisol Samples
- Water Deprivation Test
Traditional ACTH Stimulation Test
Indication
Diagnosis of primary adrenal insufficiency
Procedure
1. Baseline serum Cortisol and ACTH levels
2. Inject 250 mcg cortrosyn (ACTH) intravenously or IM
3. 30 and 60 minute Cortisol level
Interpretation
A rise in Cortisol level to greater than 18 ug/dl within 60 minutes demonstrates a normal result. A rise in Cortisol to less than 18 ug/dl demonstrates an abnormal response. If the adrenal glands do not adequately stimulate to cortrysn (ACTH), the patient has suppressed adrenal glands. An elevated baseline ACTH level suggests primary adrenal failure.