Acth2hpgcplasmcnc
This test measures ACTH hormone levels in blood 2 hours after glucagon injection to evaluate how well your pituitary and adrenal glands are working.
{"Measures ACTH hormone after glucagon stimulation","Evaluates pituitary and adrenal gland function","Helps diagnose hormone deficiencies or excess conditions","Requires blood draw 2 hours after glucagon administration","May help identify Addison's disease, Cushing's syndrome, or pituitary disorders"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 58572-9
- Short code
- ACTH-GLC-2HR
- Synonyms
- ACTH 2h p Gc Plas-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- plasma
- Container
- EDTA plasma tube (lavender/purple top), pre-chilled
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 60
- Critical range
- 5 N/A – 200 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 18 years
- Method
- Chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) or Electrochemiluminescent immunoassay (ECLIA)
- CPT
- 82533
- SNOMED
- 31308004
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL plasma
- Stability
- Separate plasma within 30 minutes of collection. Store at 2-8°C if analysis within 24 hours. For longer storage, freeze at -20°C or below. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Transport on ice.
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Corticotropin (ACTH) Stimulation Test with Glucagon measures the level of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in your blood 2 hours after receiving an injection of glucagon. ACTH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that tells your adrenal glands to release cortisol, which helps your body respond to stress and maintain blood pressure, blood sugar, and immune function.
Why is it performed?
This test helps doctors evaluate how well your pituitary and adrenal glands are working. It is used to diagnose conditions such as Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency), Cushing's syndrome (excess cortisol), hypopituitarism (pituitary gland dysfunction), and other disorders affecting hormone production. The glucagon injection stimulates the pituitary gland to release ACTH, and this test measures whether that response is normal.
How to prepare
Your doctor will provide specific instructions. Generally, you may need to fast overnight before the test. Certain medications, especially steroids, hormone therapies, and some diabetes medications, may need to be paused. Tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking. The test is usually performed in the morning because hormone levels follow a daily rhythm.
What happens during the test
A healthcare provider will first draw a baseline blood sample. Then, glucagon will be injected either under the skin or into a muscle. After exactly 2 hours, another blood sample will be drawn to measure your ACTH levels. You may experience temporary side effects from glucagon such as nausea, vomiting, flushing, or dizziness.
Understanding your results
Your results will show your ACTH level 2 hours after glucagon administration. Abnormal results may indicate problems with your pituitary gland, adrenal glands, or hypothalamus. Your doctor will interpret your results alongside other tests and your clinical symptoms to make a diagnosis. Reference ranges vary by laboratory.
Reference range
Reference range: 10-60 pg/mL (2.2-13.2 pmol/L) at 2 hours post-glucagon administration. Peak response expected within 60-120 minutes. Absolute cutoff for adequate response varies by laboratory and clinical context.N/A
Patient should rest for 30 minutes prior to test. Glucagon 1mg (or 1.5mg if weight >90kg) administered intramuscularly. Blood sample collected 2 hours post-glucagon dose. Baseline ACTH sample typically collected at 0 minutes. Inform patient of potential side effects: nausea, vomiting, flushing, dizziness. Test should be performed under medical supervision.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
How long does the test take?
Does the glucagon injection hurt?
Why is the 2-hour timing important?
Can I eat or drink during the test?
What conditions does this test help diagnose?
Sources
- 1MedlinePlus - ACTH testSource
- 2
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy