Complete Blood Count (CBC)

A complete blood count (CBC) is a common blood test that measures the different cells in your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, to help your doctor evaluate your overall health.

The 11-Hydroxyandrostenedione (11-OHA) test measures the amount of a hormone called 11-Hydroxyandrostenedione in your blood. This hormone is produced by your adrenal glands, which sit on top of your kidneys. The test is performed before you receive an injection of corticotropin (ACTH), which is a hormone that stimulates your adrenal glands to produce more hormones. By measuring your baseline 11-OHA level before the stimulation, doctors can see how your adrenal glands function under normal conditions.

Your doctor may order this test as part of a routine checkup, to help diagnose conditions such as anemia, infections, or blood disorders, or to monitor an ongoing medical condition and how well your treatment is working.

Your doctor may order this test if they suspect you have a problem with your adrenal glands. Common reasons include evaluating symptoms like unusual hair growth, early or delayed puberty, irregular periods, fatigue, or low blood pressure. The test helps diagnose conditions such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia (a genetic disorder affecting hormone production), adrenal insufficiency, or other adrenal gland disorders. It is often part of a group of tests called an ACTH stimulation test, which checks how your adrenal glands respond to stress.

No special preparation is usually needed for a complete blood count, and you can normally eat and drink as usual. Follow any specific instructions your doctor gives you, and tell them about any medicines or supplements you take.

Your doctor will give you specific instructions. Generally, you may need to fast (not eat or drink except water) for 8-12 hours before the test. Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking, as some medicines can affect hormone levels, including birth control pills, steroids, and certain antidepressants. Your doctor may ask you to stop certain medications before the test. It is important to follow all instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.

A healthcare professional will clean your skin, wrap a band around your upper arm, and draw a small sample of blood from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is sent to a laboratory, and the collection usually takes only a few minutes.

A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a small needle. You may feel a brief sting or pinch. The blood will be collected in a tube and sent to a laboratory for analysis. This is the 'pre' or baseline sample. After this draw, you will receive an injection of ACTH (cortocotropin), and additional blood samples will be taken at specific time intervals to see how your hormone levels change after stimulation. The entire process may take a few hours.

This test is very safe. You may feel a quick sting when the needle goes in, and some people have slight bruising, soreness, or a little bleeding at the puncture site. Serious complications are rare, and mild symptoms usually go away within a day or two.

The risks of this test are minimal. You may experience slight bruising, soreness, or bleeding at the needle site. Some people feel dizzy or lightheaded during or after the blood draw. The ACTH injection may cause temporary flushing, headache, or a rapid heartbeat, but these side effects are usually mild and go away quickly. Serious complications are rare.